BioNTech to build mRNA manufacturing facility in Singapore

10-May-2021 - Last updated on 10-May-2021 at 12:43 GMT

Pic:getty/markrebens

BioNTech plans to expand its global footprint with a regional headquarters for South East Asia in Singapore; as well as a fully integrated mRNA manufacturing facility.

The new manufacturing base, established with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board, will provide regional and global supply capacity of mRNA-based product candidates, a well as offering rapid response production capability for the region for future pandemic threats.

It will be equipped to produce a range of novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics for infectious diseases and cancer. The envisioned site will bring automated and end-to-end mRNA production capabilities across drug substance, drug product and fill-and-finish, with an estimated annual capacity of several hundred of million doses of mRNA-based vaccines.

BioNTech plans to open its Singapore office this year. Meanwhile, construction of the manufacturing site is set to begin this year, subject to planning approval, and could be operational as early as 2023. The expansion will create up to 80 jobs in Singapore

Global expansion

While best known for its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, BioNTech’s main focus pre-pandemic had been on pioneering therapeutics for cancer. Its oncology pipeline now has 14 product candidates in 15 ongoing trials.

Founded in Germany in 2008, the company’s first big step in global expansion came with the establishment of a US headquarters in Cambridge, MA, last year. The establishment of a South East Asia HQ represents the next key milestone in the company’s international expansion.

“Having multiple nodes in our production network is an important strategic step in building out our global footprint and capabilities," said Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech.

"With this planned mRNA production facility, we will increase our overall network capacity and expand our ability to manufacture and deliver our mRNA vaccines and therapies to people around the world.

“Singapore provides an excellent business climate, growing biotechnology industry and rich talent base."

COVID-19 vaccine sales headed for $15bn in 2021

Also releasing its Q1, 2021 results this morning, BIoNTech also gave an update on the company’s COVID-19 vaccine revenues. On the basis of currently signed supply deals (totalling 1.8 billion doses), it expects the vaccine to generate €12.4bn ($15.09bn) for the company in 2021.

In Q1, 2021, total revenues for the company were estimated to be €2bn / $2.43bn (three months ended March 31, 2021), compared to €27.7m ($33.7m) for the same period the year prior, as a result of COVID-19 vaccine sales.