AstraZeneca, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced plans to construct a $1.5 billion (€1.38 billion) cancer drug manufacturing plant in Singapore. This facility will be the company's first to produce antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) from end-to-end, a promising class of cancer treatments known for their targeted approach and reduced impact on healthy cells.
ADCs have been dubbed "biological missiles" or "magic bullets" due to their ability to deliver potent cancer-killing agents directly to cancer cells, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The new Singapore plant will encompass all steps of ADC manufacturing, from drug and linker synthesis to antibody production and conjugation.
The decision to build the plant in Singapore reflects a broader trend among pharmaceutical companies to establish production facilities in local markets, ensuring smoother supply chains and solidifying regional influence. Construction is set to begin by the end of the year, with the plant expected to be operational by 2029. The facility is also designed to achieve zero carbon emissions from its first day of operation.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot expressed excitement about the investment, highlighting Singapore's reputation for excellence in complex manufacturing and the potential of ADCs to replace traditional chemotherapy for many patients. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) also welcomed the investment, emphasising its significance for the country's biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and the creation of jobs and economic opportunities.
AstraZeneca's investment in Singapore further strengthens its presence in Asia, following recent announcements of a global research and development center and an artificial intelligence center in China. Additionally, the company's breast cancer therapy drug, Enhertu, is produced in Japan by its partner, Daiichi Sankyo.
