AbbVie opens small molecule API facility in Singapore

AbbVie, the biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories, has strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by opening the small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility in Singapore. This facility supports the growth of AbbVie’s oncology and women's health pipeline and reflects progress from its two previous announcements for manufacturing investment in Asia in 2014.

The new site - located in the Tuas Biomedical Park - is the company’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.

“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. 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,” said Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, senior vice president, operations, AbbVie.

Marc O’Donoghue, site director, added, “Singapore is recognised 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.”

AbbVie’s manufacturing network now includes 13 locations across the US, Europe, Asia and Puerto Rico, as well as strategic partnerships with third-party manufacturers.