Merck, Sharpe, and Dohme (MSD) and Singapore’s Economic Development Board jointly announced plans for significant investments by MSD to improve its existing manufacturing facilities in Singapore, as well as for new manufacturing, marketing, and research activities. MSD plans to invest more than $250 million over the next 10 years. The investments will go towards site improvements at its existing facilities in Tuas, expansion of its biotech operations, and addition of technology capabilities to support new product launches. In addition, MSD will commit to new expenditures of $700 million for local research activities.

In a press release, Dr. Beh Swan Gin, managing director of the Economic Development Board said, “We are encouraged that this will pave the way for Singapore to continue to enhance our capabilities as an integrated global pharmaceutical site in Asia, across manufacturing, R&D and commercial operations.”

MSD has a significant presence in Singapore, with approximately 1500 employees in manufacturing, marketing, sales, and the Translational Medicines Research Center. The total value of MSD’s investments in the area is estimated to be $1.5 billion.