Chugai Pharmaceutical's Ambitious Journey Begins

In 2012, Chugai Pharmaceutical launched its first international research base in Singapore, driven by a daring ambition: to transform cutting-edge science into groundbreaking therapies for patients worldwide.

A Major Milestone in Rare Blood Disorder Treatment

Fast forward to 2024, and that vision has materialized into a revolutionary therapy for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Chugai Pharmabody Research (CPR) in Singapore unveiled a next-generation anti-C5 antibody that effectively tackles PNH by inhibiting the C5 protein – a vital component of the immune system.

Utilizing advanced "recycling" antibody technology, this innovative treatment can neutralize multiple C5 molecules per antibody, significantly enhancing its efficacy while minimizing the required dosage. This not only boosts treatment efficiency but also lightens the burden on patients.

A First for Singapore: Local Development and Global Impact

What sets this anti-C5 antibody apart is that it marks Singapore's debut in developing a local therapy that earned approval across major markets including China, Japan, the US, and the European Union.

Collaboration is Key to Success

CPR's success story is a testament to the thriving research ecosystem in Singapore. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary experts from A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), CPR accelerated the drug discovery process.

Dr. Igawa Tomoyuki, Vice President at Chugai, mentions, "By establishing a lab in Singapore, we ensured that biopharmaceutical research thrived here while Japan focused on technology development. This distributed model enabled us to reduce the standard 10-15 years of development time to just three years for this revolutionary therapy.

A Commitment to Homegrown Talent

Chugai's establishment of its drug discovery center in Singapore involves a $700 million investment since 2012. This commitment has fostered local talent, such as Dr. Adrian Wee, who has transitioned from researcher to Director and Research Manager at CPR, spearheading initiatives to accelerate disease understanding and therapeutic solutions.

Singapore: A Hub for Biopharmaceutical Excellence

With over 60 biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and eight of the world’s top ten companies operating within its borders, Singapore boasts a flourishing life sciences sector. In the last decade, employment in this sector has surged by 78%, thanks in large part to a stable, pro-business environment and innovative talents.

Collaboration Fuels Future Innovations

Support from Singapore's government agencies, including the Economic Development Board (EDB) and A*STAR, has been invaluable. Through collaboration, CPR has tapped into a broad research ecosystem, culminating in projects such as the dengue treatment initiative, which emerged in response to the global dengue crisis.

Dr. Tomoyuki emphasizes the collaborative spirit in Singapore, stating, "The synergy between government, academia, and industry fosters quick advancements, allowing us to establish significant connections and propel projects forward.

The Road Ahead for Chugai in Singapore

Looking forward, Chugai aims to deepen its involvement in Singapore’s life sciences landscape by enhancing collaborations with academic institutions. The aspiration to double R&D output by 2030 showcases their commitment to driving the next wave of biomedical breakthroughs.

Dr. Tomoyuki concludes, "Singapore has fantastic capabilities in manufacturing and clinical trials, but the potential for drug research and discovery remains vast. We are excited about what the future holds."