June, 2011

Abbott recently opened a new pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) laboratory in Singapore to build on our expertise in drug delivery technology and help address the rising demand for innovative, patient-focused formulations. Initial projects will support oncology, pain and neuroscience programs.

Formulation work is an important piece of the drug development process as nearly 40 percent of pharmaceutical compounds never reach the clinical study phase because they cannot be absorbed in the human body. The right drug formulation (e.g. oral solution, tablet, capsule or injectable) can help improve the treatment benefit a medicine brings to patients.

In addition to advancing Abbott's pharmaceutical pipeline, the Singapore group also is in a strategic location in Asia for research collaborations with institutes and universities.

This new formulation lab joins Abbott's analytical R&D lab, which opened in Singapore in 2009. These facilities are part of the Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development (GPRD) organization, which includes sites in Lake County, Worcester and Redwood City, USA; Ludwigshafen, Germany; and clinical operations around the world.

"The Singapore site, together with our other sites in the U.S. and Europe, plays a pivotal role in developing new technologies for drug formulation, eventually enabling the delivery of world-class science and acceleration of Abbott's research breakthroughs into better patient care," said Dr. Friedrich Richter, Divisional Vice President, Drug Product Development.

A number of activities take place in the drug development process – from early discovery and clinical trials, to commercial launch and late-stage line extension programs. Formulators are responsible for developing formulations for new chemical entities, processes for clinical drug products, and commercial formulations. They also handle the transfer of technology (formulation and process development) to manufacturing.

The analytical R&D lab is where development of the analytical technology, information, and documentation that supports and facilitates product development takes place. R&D colleagues working in this area are responsible for developing analytical methods to support drug analysis, formulation analysis, release and stability assessment; and establishing drug substance and drug product specifications. Furthermore, the group supports the analytical Chemical Manufacturing Controls (CMC) documentation package and facilitates the submission and approval of Abbott pharmaceutical R&D projects in all major markets.

“This new laboratory is part of our ongoing investment in the facilities and resources needed to advance Abbott’s growing pharmaceutical pipeline,” said John M. Leonard, M.D., Senior Vice President, Pharmaceuticals, Research and Development. “Efforts over the past few years have resulted in significant growth in Abbott’s early-stage pipeline and expanded capability and capacity in drug delivery and formulation is required to accommodate that growth. The scientific talent and network available in Singapore made it a logical choice for Abbott’s expansion in the region.”

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