AstraZeneca to build US$1.5 billion cancer drug manufacturing plant in Singapore

AstraZeneca intends to establish a US$ 1.5 billion manufacturing facility in Singapore to produce targeted cancer treatments and antibody-drug conjugates ( ADCs ), according to a statement from the British company on Monday ( May 20 ).

The service, which will be the drugmaker’s second end- to- close ADC generation page, will be supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board ( EDB). The business did not provide specifics about the potential economic opportunities offered by the Singapore state.

Given its reputation for excellence in complex production, Singapore is one of the most interesting countries for expense, according to CEO Pascal Soriot, who is excited to have AstraZeneca set up its$ 1.5 billion ADC production facility there.

Over the past few years, London-listed AstraZeneca has been expanding into markets like China, Indonesia, and India in an effort to expand its supply network. Enhertu, a breast cancer treatment, is made in Japan by its companion Daiichi Sankyo.

ADCs are cell-killing compounds that are released from tumour cell after binding to modified antibodies.

The multiple- level creation of ADCs involves generating the antibodies, synthesising the treatment medicine and its linker, conjugating these elements, and filling of the completed ADC substance.

AstraZeneca has a sizable collection of in-house ADCs, including six absolutely owned ADCs in the center and more recently in the pre-clinical development.

EDB president Png Cheong Boon welcomed AstraZeneca’s programs, saying it supported Singapore’s development and production of perfection drugs, and helped create jobs and economic prospects.

The biological sciences business, which comprises the biotech and medical systems sectors, is a&nbsp, vital source to Singapore’s economy, said EDB.

The sector produced close to S$ 39 billion worth of goods for the international market in 2022, accounting for 2.3 % of Singapore’s gross domestic product.

Creating of the AstraZeneca facility- the company’s primary manufacturing investment in Singapore&nbsp,- will start by the end of 2024 and it should be operating from 2029, the company said, adding it will have zero carbon emissions from its first day of operations.