Singapore: Baxter International has launched an advanced recombinant biologic facility in Singapore.

The suite supports the processing of ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)], full-length recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) worldwide for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A. The facility will expand the company's capacity for processing RIXUBIS [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant)], a recombinant factor IX (rFIX) protein for the treatment of adults with hemophilia B and, when operational, will be the primary global commercial processing facility. It will also support production of the company's investigational extended half-life recombinant FVIII treatment BAX 855 upon regulatory approval.

In total, the establishment of the facility and new investment will create 450 biopharmaceutical jobs by 2015 in Singapore.

Speaking at the opening of the facility, Mr Jean-Luc Butel, corporate vice president and president of Baxter's international operations said, "As a long-standing, established leader in the global hemophilia community, Baxter has focused efforts on improving standards of care for people with hemophilia. The opening of the Singapore facility is a reflection of the company's commitment. Baxter is grateful to the Singapore Economic Development Board for their support in establishing this facility and for its commitment to collaborations that advance access to quality healthcare."

Mr Yeoh Keat Chuan, managing director at Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) officiated the opening ceremony. He said, "Baxter's expansion of its biologics footprint in Singapore reinforces our position as a leading biologics hub, with nine facilities which will employ over 2,000 people at steady state. The biologics sector supports knowledge intensive and high value added activities which create good jobs for Singaporeans. EDB will continue to invest in talent development, supporting infrastructure and new technologies to support this important growth area."

The Singapore facility received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency in January 2014 for the production of ADVATE. This would allow the facility to process and supply ADVATE to European Union, Iceland and Norway.