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US drugmaker AbbVie opens first Asian plant in S’pore

SINGAPORE — New York-listed biopharmaceutical firm AbbVie yesterday opened the first phase of its US$320 million (S$436 million) manufacturing plant in Singapore, which will help the firm make more inroads in cancer treatment and women’s health.

The 120,000sqm site in Tuas Biomedical Park is expected to house more than 250 new employees. PHOTO: AbbVie

The 120,000sqm site in Tuas Biomedical Park is expected to house more than 250 new employees. PHOTO: AbbVie

SINGAPORE — New York-listed biopharmaceutical firm AbbVie yesterday opened the first phase of its US$320 million (S$436 million) manufacturing plant in Singapore, which will help the firm make more inroads in cancer treatment and women’s health.

The new 120,000sqm site in the Tuas Biomedical Park is AbbVie’s first manufacturing facility in Asia.

The company expects to recruit more than 250 new employees — the majority of whom will be hired locally in Singapore — for a wide range of positions, including manufacturing, technical operations, administration, quality, information technology and supply chain.

The plant comprises a small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility, which was opened yesterday, and will also include a biologics manufacturing facility that is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018.

“Our goal at AbbVie is to ensure patients around the world have access to new and innovative medicines when they need them and where they need them,” said Ms Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, senior vice-president of operations at AbbVie.

“Today, with the opening of the first phase of our Singapore facility, we will further strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and continue to enhance our support of AbbVie’s pipeline in the therapeutic areas of oncology and women’s health for patients around the world.”

Manufacturing is a key pillar of Singapore’s economy, contributing about 20 per cent of its gross domestic product in 2015.

The biomedical manufacturing cluster is the second largest contributor to Singapore’s manufacturing industry, accounting for close to 20 per cent of the total value added in the sector.

There are 29 biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Singapore; six of the top 10 drugs globally are made in Singapore.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), said: “The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) has identified healthcare as one of the growth sectors that presents opportunities for Singapore and positions us well for the future.

“To support the continued growth of our biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector, the Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy. It focuses on catalysing innovation in manufacturing technologies, developing infrastructural solutions, and building a strong talent pool.”

Also at the opening ceremony, site director Marc O’Donoghue said that Singapore was chosen for its robust infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled workforce and supportive environment for manufacturing.

The facility in Singapore “provides geographic balance in AbbVie’s manufacturing network”, he added.

AbbVie’s manufacturing network now includes 13 locations across the United States, Europe, Asia and Puerto Rico, as well as strategic partnerships with third-party manufacturers.

“AbbVie’s choice of Singapore for its first-in-Asia manufacturing facility is testament to our capabilities as a high-quality, global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub,” said Ms Weng Si Ho, director, biomedical sciences group, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

“Given our track record of providing a world-class business environment and skilled talent pool to companies, we enable companies such as AbbVie to develop and manufacture innovative products to deliver value for patients worldwide.

“EDB will continue to commit strong investments in talent, infrastructure and technology to support the strong growth in the biopharmaceutical industry.”

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