British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca Plc (AZN.L, AZN) revealed on Monday its plan to establish a $1.5 billion manufacturing facility in Singapore, dedicated to the production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This new facility aims to bolster the global supply of AstraZeneca's ADC portfolio.
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the plant will be AstraZeneca’s pioneering facility to encompass the complete manufacturing process for ADCs. The company plans to commence the design and construction by the end of 2024, with the facility expected to be operational by 2029.
ADCs represent advanced therapeutics that deliver potent anticancer agents directly to cancer cells via a targeted antibody. According to AstraZeneca, the ADC manufacturing process involves several critical stages: antibody production, synthesis of the chemotherapy drug and its linker, conjugation of the drug-linker to the antibody, and the final filling of the ADC substance.
This greenfield facility will be AstraZeneca's first to offer end-to-end ADC production, integrating all manufacturing steps at a commercial scale. Furthermore, AstraZeneca will collaborate with the Singaporean government and other partners to implement green solutions for the facility, which is designed to operate with zero carbon emissions from day one. Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "AstraZeneca has developed an industry-leading range of cancer treatments, including ADCs, which have shown immense potential to supplant traditional chemotherapy across various settings. Singapore stands out as a top destination for investment due to its excellence in complex manufacturing. I am thrilled for AstraZeneca to establish our $1.5 billion ADC manufacturing facility in the country."
AstraZeneca highlighted its extensive portfolio of in-house ADCs, comprising six wholly-owned ADCs undergoing clinical trials and numerous others in preclinical development.
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