AbbVie has strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by opening the small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility of its Singapore manufacturing site. This facility supports the growth of AbbVie’s oncology and women’s health pipeline and reflects progress from AbbVie’s two previous announcements for manufacturing investment in Asia in 2014.

The new 120,000 square-meter site located in the Tuas Biomedical Park is AbbVie’s first manufacturing facility in Asia and will also include a biologics manufacturing facility that is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018. Combined, the API and biologics facilities represent a $320 million investment in Singapore that will employ more than 250 new employees, the majority of whom will be hired locally in Singapore, including skilled positions across manufacturing, technical operations, administration, quality, information technology and supply chain.

“Our goal as AbbVie is to assure patients around the world have access to new and innovative medicines when they need them and where they need them,” said Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, senior vice president, operations, AbbVie. “Today, with the opening of the first phase of our Singapore facility, we will further strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and continue to enhance our support of AbbVie’s pipeline in the therapeutic areas of oncology and women’s health for patients around the world.”

Site director, Marc O’Donoghue, said, “Singapore is recognized as a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry and AbbVie is excited to open its facility and begin operations. Singapore has a robust infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled workforce and provides a supportive environment for manufacturing. Our presence in Singapore establishes AbbVie’s footprint in Asia and provides geographic balance in AbbVie’s manufacturing network to ensure continuity of supply.”