The global biopharma company GSK plc has launched a new, S$44 million high potency facility (HPF) in its strategic New Product Introduction site in Jurong, Singapore. The event also marked 40 years since the Jurong site opened in Singapore in 1982.

The HPF will be used to produce a key ingredient, which is a cytotoxic component, in antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat cancer. The new facility is the first in Singapore capable of producing highly potent cytotoxic ingredients in ADCs, for breakthrough immunotherapy cancer treatments.

The opening of the facility was officiated by Guest-of-Honour, Singapore’s Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, and Regis Simard, GSK’s President, Global Supply Chain.

Addressing the delegates at the event, Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung said, "In terms of healthcare, we have invested much in R&D and biological sciences and it is starting to pay off. We now have an entire ecosystem of research such as on precision cancer treatment, which is a major area of focus. We have a strong pipeline of products coming onstream which will redefine cancer treatment in the medium term".

"Singapore's major transformation project, Healthier SG has embarked inititatives such as health screening, early detection of onset of cancer and more novel treatments that can be very effective and cost-effective. The Ministry of Health is changing our systems to suit the times to embrace technology that is coming our way. We look forward to having GSK and all other industry partners to journey with us in these very exciting times ahead.

Singapore's first facility of its kind is equipped with advanced features such as specialised equipment, automated operations, exceptional containment capabilities and strict cross-contamination control. It is built to facilitate complete in-house manufacturing to safeguard supply chain processes, quality control and timeliness of delivery. It also features leading-edge capabilities to handle high potency manufacturing under a highly safe and controlled environment".

“GSK’s new facility in Jurong is a positive step as we continue to spearhead innovation in our supply chain to impact health and lives in Singapore and worldwide,” added Regis Simard, President, Global Supply Chain. “With new capabilities to handle high-potency components effectively, we are in a good position to explore new frontiers in oncology and embark on a new era of manufacturing and delivering breakthrough cancer treatments.”

“The opening of GSK’s new facility demonstrates how global healthcare companies can tap on Singapore’s world-class infrastructure and talent to deliver innovative new products,” said Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board. “We look forward to deepening our long-standing partnership with GSK, as we work together to transform the biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector and create good jobs for Singaporeans.”

“JTC’s ability to facilitate GSK’s expansion today is a testament to Singapore’s advanced industrial planning and infrastructure readiness to support business growth. GSK’s new facility exemplifies our vision to anchor strong ecosystems in our industrial spaces,” said Tan Boon Khai, Chief Executive Officer, JTC.

With the addition of the HPF, GSK has further strengthened the Jurong site capabilities as a New Product Introduction (NPI) site to launch new products more quickly. The capability to produce high potency components at scale helps to meet the increasing demand for oncology treatments around the world.

In his key note, Minister of Health reaffirmed that, "With the growing investments Singapore is welcoming international investors by providing favorable and conducive growth environment coupled with incentives such as competitive tax regime, skilled workforce, stable industrial relationship, political and social stability and most importantly a strong legal system". 

Image Caption: L-R- Lim Hock Heng, Vice President & Site Director Quality Road, Strategic Projects Lead, Global Supply Chain Singapore, GSK; Narendra Bam, Senior Vice President, Medicine Development & Supply, GSK; Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, EDB; Mike Crichton, Senior Vice President, Greater China and Intercontinental, GSK; Regis Simard, President, Global Supply Chain, GSK; Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, Singapore; Lee Li Na, Vice President & Site Director Jurong, Global Supply Chain Singapore, GSK; Kara Owen, British High Commissioner to Singapore; Tan Boon Khai, Chief Executive Officer, JTC; Aamer Sarfraz, UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Singapore; Goh Wan Yee, Senior Vice President, Head, Healthcare, EDB; Cheong Wee Lee, Director, Biomed and Electronics, JTC