New AbbVie Biologics Facility in Singapore is launched amidst much fanfare

The launch of the new AbbVie Biologics Facility in Tuas, Singapore was graced by Mr. S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), Singapore, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) chairman Dr.  Beh Swan Gin, AbbVie board chairman and CEO, Richard A. Gonzalez and other executives.

In his opening speech, Gonzalez said, " We chose Singapore to establish this facility not only based on its proximity to our key markets, but also due to a government that has been most supportive in encouraging companies like us, the strong infrastructure available, global connectivity, as well as a skilled workforce."

"This facility joins our global network, and we intend to especially support therapies for cancer, autoimmune disease and women’s health amongst others."

Minister S Iswaran also expressed his delight with this partnership, and what it means for Singapore. "It is essential that we adopt a forward-looking approach, and work closely with our people and industry partners to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. This spirit of partnership is well-embodied in the report from the (Singapore) Comittee on the Future Economy (CFE) released earlier this year."

The opening of the Biologics Manufacturing Facility effectively expands Abbvie’s capabilities to include biological products, in addition to its existing small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility. The combined facilities support the company’s global manufacturing operations to address AbbVie’s pipeline in the therapeutic areas of immunology and oncology.

"Today’s milestone represents our dedication to providing life-changing treatments for patients. Just as we are focused on uncovering therapies to address unmet patient needs, equally important is enhancing our capabilities to ensure supply of these medicines for our patients," said Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, Ph.D., senior vice president, operations, AbbVie.

The Singapore site is the only one in the AbbVie global manufacturing network to house both API and biologics manufacturing capabilities. The local API facility started operations for commercial supply earlier this year. Singapore joins 12 other sites across the US, Europe and Puerto Rico in AbbVie’s global manufacturing network.