LONDON: AstraZeneca has unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Singapore, dedicated to the production of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).

This $1.5 billion venture marks the company’s first foray into manufacturing within Singapore and represents a significant step in enhancing the global supply of its ADC portfolio.

ADCs, which are at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation, target cancer cells with high precision, delivering potent agents directly to the malignancy. The greenfield facility, backed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will be the first of its kind for AstraZeneca, encompassing the entire ADC manufacturing process on a commercial scale.

Png Cheong Boon, Chairman of the EDB, expressed enthusiasm for AstraZeneca’s decision, noting that it signifies a robust vote of confidence in Singapore’s capabilities and talent in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The facility is expected to bolster the local ecosystem for precision medicine development and manufacturing, while also generating substantial job opportunities and economic benefits.

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, highlighted the company’s industry-leading portfolio of cancer medicines, including ADCs, which are poised to revolutionize cancer treatment by potentially replacing traditional chemotherapy. Soriot praised Singapore’s reputation for excellence in complex manufacturing, which was a key factor in the decision to establish the new facility there.

With a broad array of in-house ADCs, including six in clinical stages and numerous others in preclinical development, AstraZeneca is committed to sustainability. The company plans to collaborate with the Singapore government and other partners to implement green solutions, aiming for the facility to operate with zero carbon emissions from day one.

The design and construction phase of the manufacturing site is scheduled to commence by the end of 2024, with the goal of achieving operational readiness by 2029. This ambitious project underscores AstraZeneca’s dedication to advancing sustainable healthcare and precision therapy for cancer patients worldwide.