With the Singapore head office Miltenyi Biotec hope to offer local tech support as well as explore potential partners for clinical and market supply. The initial phase of operation has already led to the creation of subsidiaries in Japan (Tokyo), China (Shanghai, Beijing), and Australia (Sydney). For future expansion, the company is also planning to form a subsidiary in India 2005/2006.
Singapore has become a hive for activity for European and US pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies looking to expand in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the abundance of distributors in the vicinity and in nearby countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia make the area an attractive investment.
Novartis recently opened a non-profit initiative in drug discovery focusing on research for drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) and dengue fever. The Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases (NITD) is a $122 million (€99 million) public-private partnership between Novartis and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
The new headquarters is supported by the EDB and stimulated by the foundation of Biopolis, a centre for biomedical sciences in Asia.
With the introduction of clinical products such as the Plasma Treatment Instrument LIFE 18, used for extracorporeal plasma treatment, Miltenyi Biotec has taken the step from research to therapy, and intends to launch new products in the near future.
In a recent speech, Dr Beh Swan Gin, director of the biomedical sciences group of the EDB, said: "Miltenyi's decision to be based in Singapore also adds to the momentum of the biomedical sciences effort."
"To date, over 30 biotechnology companies have established operations here, investing in a wide spectrum of activities, from R&D to manufacturing to regional operations."
Including the exclusively distributed Baxter cell therapy products, the company covers more than 90 per cent of the cell therapy market. With the new Asian venture Miltenyi Biotec expects a regional annual growth of 70-80 per cent.