GlaxoSmithKline Opens Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory in Singapore

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK; Brentford, UK) opened its new Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory at its research and development facility in Singapore's biomedical research hub, Biopolis.

GSK has invested an additional US$20 million in its Center for Research in Cognitive and Neurodegenerative Disorders for the construction of a medicinal chemistry laboratory and a near doubling of the number of researchers.

"This new investment in GSK's research and development facility will enhance our drug discovery capabilities in Singapore. Our goal is to identify a clinical development candidate by the end of 2007 and we are on track to achieving that. The key drivers for GSK investing in Singapore are the quality of the research base and our access to high quality graduates and researchers. GSK has chosen to increase our presence in Singapore because we are very pleased with our progress to date, and this investment reflects our confidence in the local biomedical research sector,” said Dr. Paul Chapman, director and head of GSK's centre.

The new flexi-laboratory combines both biology research and chemistry research in the same facility; the workbenches are modular, and can be configured to adapt to different experiments, needs and uses. Biology and chemistry research usually takes place in separate laboratories because there are different considerations for each discipline. The time taken to identify clinical development drug candidates should be reduced by having the biologists and chemists working side-by-side.

Dr Neil Miller, director of medicinal chemistry, said, "The adaptability of local researchers makes Singapore a competitive location for innovative approaches to drug discovery. This new investment will give us the capabilities to design and develop compounds for selection in clinical trials in the next few years that will be born and raised in Singapore.”

GSK's investment in Singapore includes manufacturing, research and development, and sales and marketing. Singapore is also the headquarters of GSK's Asia-Pacific operations.




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