Pfizer Inc. unveiled its new highly automated Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Tuas Biomedical Park, Singapore. The SGD$1 billion state-of-the-art facility extension spans 429,000 square feet and will produce various small molecule APIs for Pfizer’s oncology, pain, and antibiotic medicines to markets across the world. 

The official opening ceremony was graced by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. 

"The biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector is a key contributor to Singapore’s manufacturing output, producing more than S$19 billion of products for global markets in 2022. This is a threefold increase from 20 years ago. Back then, we started off as a manufacturing base producing small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Today, we host seven out of the top ten biopharmaceutical companies with more than 60 manufacturing facilities here. These companies develop new drug modalities from APIs to Biologics (such as Therapeutics and Vaccines) as well as Cell Therapies. Employment in the sector has also more than doubled over the past two decades, with over 9,000 employees today" explained Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. 

"Pfizer has significantly expanded its presence in Singapore, including establishing an API manufacturing facility in 2003 and its regional headquarters overseeing Emerging Markets Asia. Today, Pfizer is the largest contributor to pharmaceutical manufacturing output in Singapore." added DPM Gan Kim Yong.

Designed to facilitate lean material movement, reduce lead times, and fast process turnarounds, the facility began construction in 2020. In order to reduce energy usage and manage energy demand more effectively, systems and technologies are integrated while maintaining best practices in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Additionally, the facility has the capacity to add processing suites, dry-end suites, dispensaries, warehouses, and ancillary equipment as needed.

Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board said “Pfizer’s latest investment in Tuas Biomedical Park reinforces Singapore's standing as a leading biomedical sciences hub and also demonstrates how global biopharmaceutical companies can tap on our talent and capabilities to manufacture therapies for the world. We look forward to deepening our longstanding partnership with Pfizer to create meaningful jobs and economic opportunities for Singapore”. 

The expansion has significantly strengthened the commercial and manufacturing capabilities of Pfizer in Singapore. Pfizer is creating over 250 new highly skilled jobs with the expansion of API plant site. Pfizer has more than 30 sites across six continents producing quality medicines for patients around the world.

“With the facility expansion, Pfizer continues to grow its resilient and innovative global supply network. We are expanding our manufacturing footprint and strengthening our ability to manufacture breakthrough medicines” said Mike McDermott, Chief Global Supply Officer and Executive Vice President of Pfizer.

Additionally, the facility has achieved Green Mark gold certification, an accreditation for environmental sustainability in Singapore. With these actions, Pfizer aims to achieve the voluntary Net-Zero standard by 2040 and contribute to a more sustainable future.