Genentech to set up Singapore's first Microbial-Based Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility
Fourth Biologics Facility in Less Than 2 Years Helps Establish Singapore as a Serious Player in Biologics Manufacturing
Singapore's efforts to grow its biologics manufacturing sector received a significant boost when the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) announced that Genentech, Inc. has decided to establish a commercial scale microbial-based biologics manufacturing facility in Singapore - a first for Singapore's fast growing biopharmaceuticals sector. This is the first manufacturing investment by a U.S. biotechnology company in Singapore.
The estimated capital expenditure of the plant is approximately US$140 million. It will have approximately 100 employees at steady state and provide 1,000 litres of capacity for the production of E. coli derived products. This facility, which will be located in Tuas Biomedical Park, is intended for the manufacture of bulk LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab injection), a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2007 with licensure anticipated in early 2010.
The planned Genentech plant is Singapore's fourth biologics manufacturing facility. Other biologics plants presently under construction in Singapore include GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' vaccines facility, as well as Switzerland-based biologics contract manufacturer Lonza's two facilities, including its joint venture with Bio*One Capital. In addition to its latest investment, Genentech had previously entered into a supply agreement with Lonza for the manufacture of certain Genentech products at the Lonza facility currently under construction in Singapore. The agreement includes an exclusive option for Genentech to purchase the facility during the period from 2007 to 2012.
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