The facility – which is next to Changi airport – will provide clinical trial primary and secondary packaging services for trials being run across Asia Pacific, including those being run through the Norther Ireland-headquartered-contractor’s satellite office in Japan.
A spokesperson told us the investment in Singapore was a reflection of both the increasing about of pharmaceutical activity on the island as well is the locations positions as a central hub – in so far as that is possible – in the Asian Pacific region.
“Singapore has emerged as a regional hub for the pharma industry, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2% by 2020, as a result of its strong industrial base, effective IP protection laws, excellent innovation infrastructure and political stability and as a result, 23% of global clinical trials are currently conducted in Asia.”
“We have therefore recognised that by using Singapore as a base for our operations, supported by a regional support centre based in Japan, we are better equipped to support our Asia-based clients in their own time zones and languages.”
The Singapore facility will also work as part of Almac’s global supply network – which includes sites in the UK and the US – according to the spokesperson.
“Establishing primary and secondary production of clinical trial material at our Singapore facility was key strategic decision to ensure that Almac was able to offer our full range of clinical packaging capabilities globally.”