Leveraging Singapore's capabilities in complex manufacturing, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Baxter have extended into their first Asian biologics facilities, while Lonza announced the establishment of its first Asian cell-therapy plant here.

Asia's growth is not limited to its market opportunities. In recognition of Asia's scientific excellence and capabilities, companies are also establishing higher value-added manufacturing activities in the region and Singapore in particular. This trend builds on Singapore's advanced manufacturing capabilities as well as its expertise in process development and automation technologies. Coupled with the island's close proximity and excellent connectivity to Asian markets, the city-state presents a choice location for complex manufacturing of innovative medicines, life science instruments and other healthcare products.

Expanding base of biologics manufacturers

In June this year, GSK marked its 50th anniversary in Singapore by opening its first-in-Asia primary vaccine facility in Singapore. With an investment of S$600 million (US$415 million), this biologics facility represents the company's largest investment in Asia. The plant will be one of two global sites to produce purified bulk polysaccharides and conjugates, which are used to manufacture GSK's innovative vaccines. This facility marks the beginning of GSK's 10-year roadmap with the EDB. In line with it, GSK will set up an Academic Centre of Excellence for Discovery Research. GSK also jointly announced with EDB, a S$50 million (US$35 million) endowment fund to support graduate studies and research in green manufacturing and public health policy.

Commenting on GSK's expansion in Singapore, Andrew Witty, CEO, GSK, said, "We are delighted to celebrate 50 years of pioneering work in Singapore. We look forward to growing our strategic partnership for the next 10 years and beyond by establishing Singapore as GSK's home for business, innovation and talent, as encapsulated in our new vaccine plant."

In addition to GSK, Baxter International Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new biopharmaceutical facility. This manufacturing plant will undertake the bulk production of ADVATE®, the recombinant factor VIII (rFIII) therapy that is free of blood-based additives, for the treatment of haemophilia A. This is the first time the company is producing ADVATE® in Asia. With this investment, some 230 new jobs are expected to be created at the facility.

Foray into Cell Therapy

In May 2009, Lonza announced its first Asian cell-therapy manufacturing plant in Singapore. This S$40 million (US$28 million) facility leverages Singapore's strong research capabilities in stem cell and cell therapy, and its strong track record in novel, complex biomedical manufacturing. Singapore has also been committed to train its manpower in this new field ahead of time. Lonza's facility will initially manufacture products for clinical trials, and will build up Singapore's capabilities as one of Asia's leading sites for celltherapy. The plant will be located adjacent to Lonza's large-scale mammalian manufacturing facilities at Tuas Biomedical Park.

According to Stefan Borgas, CEO, Lonza, "The facility will operate with cutting-edge technologies and a skilled labour force, allowing it to readily meet the needs of a broad range of customers and address the growing global demand for cell therapies. This expansion in Singapore further fortifies the strategic relationship Lonza has with the Singapore government, which has been developed through the successful build-up of our large-scale mammalian facility."

Key Medical Technology Developments

In micro-array manufacturing, the two industry leaders, Illumina and Affymetrix, have set up significant manufacturing operations here. Illumina has invested S$29 million (US$20 million) in its 32,000 sq ft manufacturing plant, which will mirror production in the U.S., while Affymetrix completed the consolidation of all micro-array manufacturing activities in Singapore within three years of operation here.

Leveraging Singapore's skilled manpower base, its proximity to the Asia supply chain and access to highquality local suppliers, other leading companies which have set up their first Asian manufacturing facilities in Singapore include Agilent Technologies, which opened its first life science facility outside the US that produces high-precision laboratory automation instruments. These instruments are used by pharmaceutical companies for mass commercial production of drugs. In addition, ResMed has opened its first Asian manufacturing plant that produces its SWIFT Pillow breathing masks and flow generators that treat patients with sleep apnea.

Strategic Base to Harness Asia's Growth

Singapore provides an excellent location for global biomedical sciences companies seeking to locate high value-added, complex manufacturing activities closer to Asia's expanding markets. Coupled with its familiarity with international business, as well as its world-class scientific and clinical excellence, Singapore presents a strategic beach-head for companies' expansion in Asia.