CRAIGAVON-headquartered pharmaceutical firm has officially opened new offices in Singapore as it begins to set down roots in the Asia Pacific region.
The new facilities will include primary and secondary packaging for clinical trials as well as distribution, and interactive response technology services.
It means Almac will be able to conduct regional trials for clients in the area and also expand to new international markets.
Although the company has serviced clients in the region for around 15 years this is the first time that material for clinical trials will be produced in the region, rather than being shipped from the its facilities in Craigavon or the US.
Almac has said the new facility will strengthen the group’s global footprint.
It already has facilities in Europe, the US, and satellite offices in Japan.
Dr Robert Dunlop, president and managing director of Almac’s Clinical Services business unit, said: “Asia Pacific is a vital region for us, as currently 23% of global clinical trials for new pharmaceutical products are being conducted here. By basing our regional headquarters and operations in Singapore, we are better equipped to support our Asia-based clients in their own time zone and languages.
“With the opening of our new Singapore facility, we are directly supporting studies run by regional and global pharmaceutical firms by providing critical manufacturing, packaging, supply chain management and Interactive Response Technology support services in Asia Pacific.”
Mr Kevin Lai, executive director of biomedical sciences and consumer businesses, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “We welcome Almac’s investment into the vibrant ecosystem of biomedical sciences companies in Singapore.
“Their decision reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a preferred location where companies manage their clinical development and supply chain management for the region and beyond.”
Almac now employs more than 3,700 across its global operations including 2,300 in Craigavon.
Last year the company announced it would invest £54m in expanding its Pharma Services and Clinical Services operations over the next five years, creating almost 350 jobs in Craigavon.
