The planned greenfield facility, which according to AstraZenca is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will be the company’s first end-to-end ADC production site, fully incorporating all steps of the manufacturing process at a commercial scale. The process comprises antibody production, synthesis of chemotherapy drug and linker, conjugation of drug-linker to the antibody, and filling of the completed ADC substance.

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, commented: “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.”

AstraZeneca has a broad portfolio of in-house ADCs including six wholly owned ADCs in the clinic and many more in preclinical development.

As part of the company's commitment to driving sustainability in healthcare, it will work with Singapore's government and other partners on green solutions for the ADC facility. This facility, AstraZeneca said, will be designed to emit zero carbon from its first day of operations.

Design and construction of the manufacturing facility is expected to begin by the end of 2024, with targeted operational readiness from 2029.