A commitment to raising its profile and attracting major companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors is helping Singapore emerge as a centre for drug research and development
As the pharmaceutical industry expands its global outlook, many companies have taken a greater interest in the region of south-east Asia.
Although the commercial potential of this region was quickly recognised by the major companies, its use as a base for R and D is a more recent phenomenon.
"Singapore's environment for R and D in the biomedical sciences has been recognised by the international pharmaceutical industry and a number of multinational companies have established themselves in the country," explained Faiz Kermani of clinical research organisation Chiltern International.
"The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has encouraged the presence of foreign companies and has provided significant advice and guidance to market entrants, which has stimulated interest". Pharmaceutical companies that have invested in Singapore include Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Aventis, Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
In 2003, the output of Singapore's biomedical sector was valued at S$11.3 billion ((US$6.7bn), having increased by nearly 16% over the previous year.
Singapore has set itself the target of achieving S$12 billion in manufacturing output by 2005.
In 2003, pharmaceuticals accounted for 84% of total biomedical sector output and employment in the pharmaceutical area increased by 12.1% compared to 2002.
Singapore opened the Biopolis research centre in late 2003.
It cost S$500 million to build and has a capacity for 2000 researchers.
It will feature local companies, start-ups and major companies, and should create a vibrant atmosphere for collaboration and innovation.
As well as attracting major companies Singapore is keen to develop local enterprises and the EDB is running various funding schemes to encourage researchers to commercialise their ideas for the market.
Apart from discovery R and D, a number of companies are carrying out clinical development in Singapore and using it as a base for overseeing studies being carried out in neighbouring areas.
AstraZeneca, Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis and Schering-Plough have all followed this approach.
As well as developing facilities for R and D, Singapore has been improving its education base so that talented individuals have the appropriate skills for success in the biomedical sector.
According to the Singapore Economic Development Board, tertiary institutions produce around 35,000 graduates every year with qualifications suitable to the technology sector.
The country has also launched several schemes to attract international staff to the country.
And according to official government information, if staff from overseas are required for a company, it takes no longer than two weeks to obtain the legal employment documentation.
Singapore has also recognised the importance of regulatory expertise and since 2001 it has been enhancing the capabilities of its Health Sciences Authority (HSA) so that it can act as a multidisciplinary agency. The HSA is now able to provide a comprehensive regulatory service for the evaluation and marketing approval of all therapeutic products.
"Singapore faces considerable obstacles in order to rival established centres for R and D in the world, but it is taking the right types of steps to create an environment that encourages innovation," added Dr Kermani.
"As well as establishing appropriate research facilities and economic incentives to companies it is ensuring that the industry has a pool of talented staff to draw upon for the future.
Whilst some areas of the world are reducing incentives for R and D-based industries and thus discouraging companies from further investment, Singapore is setting itself up as a promising alternative."
