Amgen to create manufacturing facility in Singapore

Amgen is to strengthen its global production capabilities with the creation of a new manufacturing facility in the Tuas Biomedical Park area of Singapore.

Over the next few years, the pharmaceutical company will invest around $200 million (124.84 million pounds) to construct the innovative new plant, which will initially focus on providing additional manufacturing capability for monoclonal antibodies.

It will be capable of developing both clinical and commercial products, with building work set to get underway in the next few months.

The firm is currently partnering with local universities to recruit for a number of positions in manufacturing and quality, with the facility's staff to be made up of both new hires and experienced employees.

Madhu Balachandran, executive vice-president of operations at Amgen, said: "Singapore is an ideal location to further our manufacturing efforts based on its rich talent pool and friendly business environment."

Last month, the company announced that it will be allying with Watson Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialise a number of oncology antibody biosimilar medicines.