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Sanofi brings world’s first modular concept manufacturing facility to Singapore

  • 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

Singapore, 27 November 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.

SOURCE: Sanofi 

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