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Global biopharma giant AbbVie opens first Asia manufacturing facility in Singapore
29 Sep 2016, 05:05 pm
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SINGAPORE (Sept 29): Global biopharmaceutical giant, AbbVie has opened its new small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility in Singapore, marking its first manufacturing facility in Asia.

Located in Tuas Biomedical Park, the facility is part of a new 120,000 sqm site that will also include a biologics manufacturing facility that will be operational by end 2018.

“Our presence in Singapore establishes AbbVie's footprint in Asia and provides geographic balance in AbbVie's manufacturing network to ensure continuity of supply," says site director Marc O'Donoghue.

Abbvie’s new manufacturing facility is key for Singapore’s economic growth, according to S Iswaran, Minister for trade and industry (industry).

“The Biomedical manufacturing cluster is the second largest contributor to Singapore’s manufacturing sector, accounting for close to 20% of the sector's value added,” says Iswaran in his opening speech.

"For instance, our biomedical manufacturing output has more than quadrupled from S$6.3 billion in 2000 to approximately S$27 billion in 2014,” he adds.

The API facility will support Abbvie’s growth of oncology and women’s health pipeline according to the company, as well as showing progress on its manufacturing investment commitments in Asia.

Abbvie is investing over S$400 million in both facilities, which will employ over 250 new employees in manufacturing, technical operations, administration, quality, information technology and supply chain.

"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," says Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, senior-vice president, operations, AbbVie.

Abbvie’s decision to establish Singapore for its first Asia manufacturing facility speaks volumes about the republic’s capability and talent pool, according to Weng Si Ho, director, biomedical sciences, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

"EDB will continue to commit strong investments in talent, infrastructure and technology to support the strong growth in the biopharmaceutical industry," says Weng.

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