Merck has announced the opening of a new 3,800-square-meter laboratory in Singapore. The S$20 million (~US$15 million) lab is the first of its kind outside of the US and UK, and the first in Singapore. Biologics testing is a major step in the drug development process to ensure sterility, safety and overall quality of customers’ biological drug products.

“This investment underscores our commitment to Singapore as an important hub for Merck,” said Dr. Udit Batra, member of the Merck executive board and CEO, Life Science.

“Our new BioReliance® lab in Singapore is the first of its kind for biomanufacturing in this region.”

Singapore is at the heart of the Asia Pacific region and serves as the Asian headquarters to many multinational pharmaceutical organizations that have a significant manufacturing footprint on the island. Its vibrant ecosystem has also attracted local life science companies and start-ups to establish a presence here.

“The establishment of Merck’s biosafety testing lab will strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness as a leading global site for biologics manufacturing,” said Dr. Beh Swan Gin, chairman of Singapore Economic Development Board.

“The company’s M LabTM Collaboration centre is also a welcome addition to Singapore’s life science innovation ecosystem. Both projects will provide Singaporeans with the opportunity to acquire highly-skilled and specialized capabilities.”