AstraZeneca plans to invest $1.5 billion in constructing a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Singapore exclusively dedicated to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This facility, slated to commence operations by 2029, marks AstraZeneca's inaugural fully-fledged production site for ADCs, augmenting its global supply chain for these advanced cancer therapies. Bolstered by the success of its collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo on Enhertu and with high hopes for the upcoming approval of its next ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), later this year, AstraZeneca is making substantial investments in cancer-fighting technology through a significant manufacturing endeavor in the Asian region.
The pharmaceutical giant has revealed plans to construct a $1.5 billion manufacturing plant for ADCs in Singapore. With the backing of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), this new facility will mark AstraZeneca's first site to fully integrate all phases of ADC production on a commercial scale, as stated in a company announcement. ADCs consist of an antibody linked to a chemotherapy payload via a chemical linker. The antibody precisely targets cancer cells, allowing for the targeted release of the cytotoxic payload exclusively within these cells. The upcoming facility will encompass every step of the ADC manufacturing process at a commercial scale, including antibody production, synthesis of the chemotherapy drug and linker, drug-linker conjugation, and final ADC substance filling.
In recent times, AstraZeneca, listed on the London Stock Exchange, has been expanding its market presence in countries like China, Indonesia, and India to diversify its supply chain. Enhertu, its breast cancer therapy, is produced in Japan through its collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca’s CEO, highlighted the company’s leadership in cancer treatments, particularly ADCs, which are set to transform chemotherapy. He commended Singapore as an ideal investment location due to its expertise in intricate manufacturing. The new facility represents a strategic move to strengthen AstraZeneca’s extensive portfolio of in-house ADCs, which encompasses six fully owned ADCs currently undergoing clinical trials and several more in the preclinical development phase.
“AstraZeneca has built an industry-leading portfolio of cancer medicines, including antibody-drug conjugates, which have shown enormous potential to replace traditional chemotherapy for patients across many settings. Singapore is one of the world’s most attractive countries for investment given its reputation for excellence in complex manufacturing, and I am excited for AstraZeneca to locate our $1.5 billion ADC manufacturing facility in the country”.
In line with its sustainability objectives, the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company intends to partner with the Singapore government and other stakeholders to ensure the facility operates with zero carbon emissions from its inception. The design and construction phase is set to begin by the end of 2024, with the goal of achieving operational readiness by 2029.