AstraZeneca to Construct $1.5 Bn Cancer Drug Facility in Singapore

Global pharmaceutical player AstraZeneca has planned to build a $1.5 billion manufacturing facility in Singapore.

The newly launched facility will produce a notable category of cancer-killing drugs called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker informed.

This marks the company's first end-to-end ADC production site, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, though details on potential financial incentives were not disclosed.

Construction of the facility is set to begin by the end of 2024, with operations expected to commence in 2029. The company also committed to achieving zero carbon emissions from the facility's first day of operations.

Insights into AstraZeneca’s Portfolio

The pharmaceutical giant has been expanding its market reach into China, Indonesia, and India in recent years to diversify its supply chain. AstraZeneca's breast cancer therapy Enhertu is currently produced by its partner Daiichi Sankyo in Japan.

According to Pascal Soriot, CEO, AstraZeneca, Singapore was a top global venue for investment with a reputation for excellence in complex manufacturing.

ADCs are engineered antibodies designed to target and bind to tumor cells, subsequently releasing cell-killing chemicals. The multi-stage production process involves generating the antibody, synthesizing the chemotherapy drug and its linker, conjugating these components, and filling the completed ADC substance.

Further, AstraZeneca's ADC portfolio includes six fully owned ADCs currently in clinical trials and several more in pre-clinical development.

Moreover, Png Cheong Boon, chairman, Economic Development Board, Singapore, welcomed AstraZeneca's plans, saying it supported Singapore's development and manufacturing of precision medicines, and helped create jobs and economic opportunities.

AstraZeneca’s Latest Deals

The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker has been on a buying spree since early last year.

It acquired the preclinical rare disease gene therapy program portfolio from Pfizer for $1 billion. In September, Alexion partnered with USA's Verge Genomics in an $840 million+ deal. The collaboration aimed to discover novel drug targets for rare neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases.

Recently, AstraZeneca completed its equity investment with Cellectis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, as part of a research collaboration agreement initiated in November 2023. With this investment, AstraZeneca holds a total equity stake of approximately 44% in Cellectis.

Additionally, AstraZeneca acquired Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian specialist focused on next-generation cancer therapies, for $2.4 billion (£1.9 billion). This move aims to bolster AstraZeneca's cancer treatment portfolio. Fusion Pharmaceuticals develops next-generation radioconjugates & offers alternatives to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Looking back, the British-Swedish Pharma Giant also forged a partnership deal with BenevolentAI to revolutionize drug discovery by harnessing the power of AI.

Founded in 1999, through the merger of the Swedish Astra AB and the British Zeneca Group, the pharmaceutical biotechnology company aims to transform the lives of people affected by rare diseases.

However, in 2023, AstraZeneca acquired Alexion, forming its rare disease-focused sector. This acquisition allowed AstraZeneca to enhance its scientific presence in immunology and continue to develop medicines for patients with rare diseases.