Amgen Opens Biologics Manufacturing Facility In Singapore
By Cyndi Root
Amgen has finished construction of its biologics manufacturing facility in Tuas, Singapore. The company announced the factory opening in a press release, stating that it will continue building at its Next-Generation Biomanufacturing facility. Additionally, Amgen intends to build another facility in Singapore to manufacture carfilzomib, the active ingredient for Kyprolis. Amgen joins Lonza, a contract research organization (CRO) and Baxter, in launching facilities in Singapore. Robert A. Bradway, chairman and CEO of Amgen, said, "Singapore is an ideal place to invest in such a pioneering facility because of its talented workforce and commitment to the biotechnology industry."
Amgen’s Tuas Facility
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) aided Amgen in its Singapore facility, as it did with Baxter’s facility. Yeoh Keat Chuan, managing director of the EDB, commented on Amgen’s new facility, "Amgen's decision to locate its first commercial-scale facility in Singapore is a testament to Singapore's capabilities as a high quality, future ready, global biopharmaceutical hub.”
With the EDB’s support, Amgen states that it was able to complete construction in two years, half the time for conventional biomanufacturing plants. The company attributes such speed to the construction of flexible, modular suite designs. In keeping with Singapore’s sustainability goals, the facility uses less energy and water and will have lower solid waste and emission levels.
Krypolis API Manufacturing
Amgen stated that it will break ground on another facility in Singapore in order to manufacture the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Kyprolis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kyprolis in 2012 for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Recently, Amgen reported mixed results for studies of Kyprolis in relapsed and advanced refractory multiple myeloma.
Singapore Pharmaceutical Industry
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is a government agency that works to promote economic growth in the island country. The agency publishes the reasons overseas corporations invest in Singapore, including competitive tax rates and tax laws. Another benefit of special interest to the pharmaceutical industry is Singapore’s intellectual property (IP) system. The consistently reliable IP environment has attracted 30 pharmaceutical companies and induced the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) to set up an office.
When Baxter opened its biologics manufacturing facility in Singapore, Jean-Luc Butel, president of Baxter's International operations, said that Singapore’s biotech industry has been growing in recent years and will continue to become more prominent over time.