Buoyed by the success of its Daiichi Sankyo-co-developed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) Enhertu, and anticipating regulatory approval for another ADC candidate, datopotamab durextecan, AstraZeneca is doubling down on this promising cancer treatment technology. The company announced a significant commitment to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Asia.
On May 20, 2024, AstraZeneca revealed its plan to invest $1.5 billion in constructing a state-of-the-art ADC manufacturing facility in Singapore. This initiative is supported by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and marks a strategic expansion of AstraZeneca’s manufacturing footprint. The facility is poised to be the British pharmaceutical giant’s premier location for comprehensive ADC production.
The global market for antibody therapeutics holds a critical position in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences industries, focusing on the production, enhancement, and marketing of antibodies that have a wide range of uses in healthcare and research settings. These antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are vital proteins produced by the immune system, playing a key role in identifying and neutralizing dangerous pathogens, toxins, and foreign bodies.
In this market, antibodies are created, engineered, and utilized across various applications, including diagnostics, therapeutic treatments, and research activities, ranging from disease diagnosis and management to scientific experimentation and drug development.
The growth of the global antibody therapeutic market has been driven by several key factors. Notably, an increase in the incidence of chronic illnesses and a growing need for precision medicine have fueled the search for novel treatment approaches.
Antibody drug conjugates are sophisticated therapies that link antibodies to a chemotherapy drug via a chemical linker. This design allows the antibody to specifically target cancer cells, delivering the potent chemotherapeutic agent directly to the tumor site, where it is released to destroy the cancer cells.
The planned facility in Singapore will be equipped to handle every aspect of ADC manufacturing at a commercial scale. According to AstraZeneca, this includes the production of both the antibodies and the chemotherapeutic agents, the conjugation of these components with a linker, and the final steps of filling and finishing the ADC product. This end-to-end capability underscores AstraZeneca's commitment to advancing its role in ADC therapy, signaling a robust investment in the future of oncological treatment.
According to Akash Mhaskar, Principal Analyst at BIS Research, “The global long-acting drug delivery technologies and services market is experiencing significant growth driven by a confluence of factors. One of the primary drivers is the increasing emphasis on patient compliance, as long-acting formulations offer the advantage of reduced dosing frequency, enhancing adherence to treatment regimens. Therapeutically, these technologies provide benefits such as enhanced efficacy, minimized side effects, and improved disease management, contributing to their rising demand.”
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