Abbott has announced the opening of a new pharmaceutical analytical research laboratory in Singapore’s Biopolis research park. This new facility, Abbott’s first pharmaceutical research and development site in Southeast Asia, will conduct stability studies, including studies on active pharmaceutical ingredients and novel formulations, to support global regulatory requirements for new pharmaceutical products. The work done at the laboratory will enable Abbott to accelerate the development of innovative investigational medicines and potentially deliver new treatments to patients faster in areas such as neuroscience and cancer. The opening was announced at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier today. “Abbott has continually increased its investment in R&D over the last decade, resulting in a promising pipeline,” said John M. Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, Pharmaceuticals, Research and Development, Abbott. “To realize the potential from the growth in Abbott’s early stage pipeline requires the resources of a truly global R&D organization and the scientific talent available in Singapore made it a logical choice for Abbott’s expansion in the region.” “We warmly welcome Abbott’s expansion into pharmaceutical R&D from its established base in Singapore, which includes nutritional manufacturing and regional headquarters. This project fits well with our intent for Singapore to be an international biomedical sciences research cluster advancing human health. From its new laboratory at the Biopolis, Abbott will be able to access the extensive network of public and private sector researchers, academics and clinicians nearby,” said Yeoh Keat Chuan, executive director, Biomedical Sciences, Singapore Economic Development Board. Long known in Singapore for its nutritional products, Abbott is also building a nutrition manufacturing plant in Singapore, its largest nutritional investment ever. In addition, Abbott has expanded its presence in the country over the last few years with the launch of several key products, including HUMIRA(R) and the XIENCE V(TM) drug-eluting stent. Singapore is also home to regional headquarters offices for several Abbott businesses including nutrition, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. The Singapore laboratory is Abbott’s latest global investment in facilities and resources to advance its pipeline. These initiatives include the Formulation Development Center that opened in Abbott Park, Ill., USA, in June 2008 and expansions at Abbott’s drug delivery operations, SOLIQS, announced in Ludwigshafen, Germany in October 2008.
