Singapore – Takeda Pharmaceuticals has announced the establishment of the centre of Excellence in Singapore for vaccine process optimisation. This centre of excellence, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, facilitates the immediate hire and training of additional Singapore talent who will work on Takeda’s current and future vaccines candidates, especially those to address diseases which present some of the world’s most challenging health problems, such as dengue, Zika and polio.

“The partnership with the EDB will help us take advantage of the growing talent pool and innovation hub for which Singapore has become well known,” said Rahul Singhvi, Chief Operating Officer. “This is an important milestone in our efforts to support and expand vaccine development as we work to bring them to people worldwide.”

“We are pleased that Takeda is expanding and deepening their presence in Singapore. Process development and optimisation remains a key part of vaccine development, and this CoE demonstrates Singapore’s capabilities in supporting pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative products to market. It is also testament to Singapore’s attractiveness as a location for world-class R&D activities and talent,” said Ms Ho Weng Si, Director, Biomedical Sciences, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). With the support of the EDB, Takeda will hire immediately a number of scientists who are Singaporean Citizens or Permanent Residents of Singapore. Takeda will be responsible for the training and upskilling of successful candidates to enhance process and manufacturing development skills by leveraging Takeda’s world class manufacturing facility in Hikari, Japan.