Asia’s First Modular Biomanufacturing Hub by Sanofi Sets New Global Standard for Agile Vaccine and Biomedicine Production

27 November 2024 | Wednesday | News

The €558M Modulus facility in Singapore's Tuas Biomedical Park marks Sanofi's second globally, pioneering flexible, rapid-response biomanufacturing. Equipped to handle up to four therapies simultaneously, it exemplifies sustainability and digital innovation. This landmark investment strengthens pandemic preparedness and accelerates patient access to life-saving treatments, creating 200 specialized jobs and solidifying Singapore as a biopharma hub
Picture Courtesy | Public Domain

Picture Courtesy | Public Domain

 

  • The facility’s novel concept shortens production timelines and enables  rapid changes in production capacities across medicines  
  • Backed by an approximately S$800 million (€558 million) investment,  Singapore proudly hosts Asia's first Modulus facility, joining France,  where the site was completed in September 2024 

 Sanofi announced the inauguration of its state-of-the art manufacturing facility, Modulus, in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering innovative healthcare solutions globally. This next-generation  facility, located in Tuas Biomedical Park, is highly digitalised and low-carbon, representing  a new era in sustainable biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Modulus leverages a ‘industry first’ modular concept that enables flexible manufacturing capabilities to produce next  generation vaccines and biological medicines. The inauguration was witnessed by Mr Ong  Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health. 

Modulus can be adapted to manufacture up to four vaccines or biopharmaceuticals  simultaneously, and can be reconfigured in a matter of days to change over between pre established technological platforms (live attenuated viral or recombinant protein vaccines,  as well as biotechnology derived treatments such as enzymes or monoclonal antibodies),  compared with several weeks or months in more conventional plants. The Modulus building  is capable of housing the equivalent of 34 standardised production modules, each equipped  with interconnected and modular equipment to configure production lines rapidly according  to the specific needs of the moment. 

The facility will have an adaptable design and scalable production capabilities,  strengthening the ability to rapidly develop and produce life-saving therapies, while also  holding the potential to significantly bolster pandemic preparedness. By establishing the  groundwork for crucial production modules now, Modulus can ensure a swift and targeted  response to any future health needs, including potential pandemics.  

Png Cheong Boon 

Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board 

“Sanofi’s expansion in Singapore reinforces the capabilities of our advanced manufacturing  ecosystem to support the growth, innovation and sustainability ambitions of leading  biopharmaceutical players. Through its novel modular concept manufacturing facility, Sanofi  will boost its ability to produce life-saving therapeutics and vaccines, and potentially for future  pandemics. The facility will create good jobs for Singaporeans across diverse roles in our  growing biopharmaceutical sector, and we look forward to partnering more companies keen  to serve global healthcare needs from Singapore.” 

Modulus represents a critical link between scientific discovery and delivering life-changing  treatment and vaccines to patients. This investment underscores Sanofi’s commitment to  providing patients faster access to both existing and groundbreaking innovation, including future potential vaccines, along with biomedicines for immunology and rare diseases.

 

Brendan O’Callaghan 

Executive Vice President, Manufacturing & Supply, Sanofi 

“Modulus brings to life Sanofi’s commitment to science and innovation, from R&D to the  factory floor. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the latest in digital innovation and  advanced data analytics, Modulus will help accelerate the delivery of life-changing  treatments to address unmet medical needs. More than just a factory, it redefines  healthcare delivery with flexibility and speed, enabling us to meet the changing needs  of the pipeline across multiple modalities, as well as respond with urgency to future  public health challenges – all while delivering on our Planet Care commitments towards Net Zero by 2045.” 

The launch of the Singapore Modulus site will generate approximately 200 new jobs in  Singapore, spanning a diverse range of roles, including bioprocess engineers, automation  specialists, data analysts, quality control experts, and specialists in artificial intelligence,  machine learning, and bioinformatics. 

The facility serves as a testament to Sanofi's dedication to sustainability, featuring green  technology such as the use of solar panels, green electricity, and recycled materials in its  construction. 

Liang Hong Koh 

Singapore Site Head, Modulus, Sanofi 

“With Modulus, we are proud to contribute to Singapore’s growing biopharmaceutical sector  while reinforcing our commitment to global health. Modulus is an investment in our collective  well-being, and a testament to our commitment to the health of the people, both today and for  generations to come.” 

Modulus will be fully operational mid-2026. 

 

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