AstraZeneca is set to invest $1.5bn in a new manufacturing facility in Singapore dedicated to producing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

The investment marks a significant step in bolstering the global supply of ADCs.

Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the facility will be the company's first end-to-end ADC manufacturing site to integrate the entire ADC manufacturing process at a commercial scale.

ADCs are advanced therapies that target cancer cells with high precision, delivering potent cancer-killing agents via antibodies.

ADC production involves several complex stages, including the production of the antibody, the synthesis of the chemotherapy drug and linker, the conjugation process, and the final filling of the ADC substance.

AstraZeneca's portfolio currently includes six wholly-owned ADCs in clinical development and numerous others in preclinical stages.

In line with AstraZeneca's commitment to sustainability, the company plans to collaborate with Singapore's government and other entities to implement eco-friendly practices for the facility.

The site aims to achieve zero carbon emissions from the outset of its operations.

The timeline for the ADC manufacturing facility includes initiating design and construction by the end of 2024, to be operational by 2029.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot stated: “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 $1.5bn ADC manufacturing facility in the country.”

In May 2024 the company commenced the global withdrawal of its Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, citing a surplus of updated vaccines designed to combat new virus variants.