WuXi Biologics, WuXi AppTec to each invest S$2b to grow R&D, manufacturing capabilities in Singapore

WuXi Biologics, a contract research, development and manufacturing organisation, on Tuesday (Jul 19) announced a 10-year, S$2 billion investment plan to grow its presence in Singapore.

The plan is to expand the company’s research, development, and large-scale drug substance and drug product manufacturing capacity and capabilities. The company will build a new site that will add 120,000 litres of biomanufacturing capacity to WuXi Biologics’ global network by 2026, and it is expected to hire 1,500 research, development and manufacturing staff when the site is complete.

“This new addition in Singapore will become a critical part of the robust global supply chain network WuXi Biologics has established to fully meet the needs of global clients,” the company said.

Separately on Tuesday, WuXi AppTec - a provider of R&D and manufacturing services that enable the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industry - said it will invest up to S$2 billion over the next decade to build a new R&D and manufacturing site in Singapore.

The site is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of WuXi AppTec’s integrated enabling platforms and will include state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, providing a broad portfolio of research and development and manufacturing services to customers worldwide.

“When completed, the Singapore site will serve a critical role in WuXi AppTec’s global network across Asia, Europe and North America, meeting growing demand from multinational customers and strengthening collaborations with a wide range of partners,” said the firm in a statement.

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“These facilities will provide a range of high-quality services with greater flexibility, allowing the company to better help partners worldwide advance drug discoveries and development and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients in need,” it added.

These investment projects have garnered support from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

“As a leading contract development and manufacturing organisation in the global biopharmaceutical industry, WuXi’s investment will enhance its capabilities and capacity to support its partners in advancing healthcare innovations and helping patients in need,” EDB chairman Beh Swan Gin wrote in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday.

“When completed, the site will also strengthen Singapore’s position as a global biopharmaceutical hub and attractiveness to biotech startups and innovators,” he added.