AbbVie has acquired a small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing site in Tuas Biomedical Park, Singapore. The facility will expand the company’s global operations for small-molecule and biologics manufacturing by providing increased capacity for compounds within AbbVie’s immunology and oncology pipelines. Earlier this year, AbbVie announced it was building a new bulk biologics manufacturing facility in Singapore.

The site, AbbVie’s first manufacturing facility in Asia, is approximately 120,000 square meters and includes a contained API facility, additional buildings, and ancillary equipment. The API facility is expected to be fully operational by 2016.

As announced in February of this year, AbbVie will also construct a bulk biologics manufacturing facility on the property. The biologics facility is expected to be operational in 2019. The combined facilities will increase AbbVie’s headcount by more than 250 new employees, including skilled positions across manufacturing, technical operations, administration, quality, information technology, and supply chain. Renovation of the small-molecule facility and hiring for multiple positions are currently in process.

AbbVie’s current operations in Asia include research and development (R&D) functions in Tokyo, Japan, and Shanghai, China as well as commercial operations throughout the region. AbbVie’s existing presence in Singapore has grown to include 160 personnel, supporting commercial operations, global R&D, and general operations. AbbVie expanded to new commercial premises in Singapore in July and is steadily increasing its presence in Singapore as a regional hub.

AbbVie’s manufacturing network now includes 13 sites across the United States (including Puerto Rico), Europe, and Asia as well as strategic partnerships with third-party manufacturers.

Source: AbbVie