Initiative will leverage Singapore’s expertise in research and medical institutions.

Roche is ploughing CHF 100 million (roughly $94.94 million) into the establishment of a Hub for Translational Medicine in Singapore. The company’s vision is to set up a public-private partnership that combines its own expertise in translational medicine and clinical development with the complementary capabilities of Singapore’s network of research and medical institutions.

The Roche-Singapore Hub for Translational Medicine center will focus on expanding scientific knowledge of disease biology to accelerate the development of personalized treatment approaches. Employing about 30 scientists, the center will be led by a steering committee comprising members from Roche and participating Singapore institutes, which will define strategic directions and oversee research.

Roche claims Singapore’s research institutions offer outstanding scientific excellence combined with state-of-the-art translational medicine facilities. “The powerful combination of intellectual and technology capabilities together with outstanding government commitment at the heart of this collaboration will provide a unique opportunity to drive personalized healthcare,” claims Jean-Jacques Garaud, global head of Roche pharma research and early development.

“Leveraging Singapore’s close-knit research community and clinical research infrastructure, companies are well-positioned to develop cost-effective, efficacious therapies more quickly for Asia and global markets,” adds Professor Edward Holmes, M.D., chairman of Singapore’s National Medical Research Council. “Within just one decade, Singapore has emerged as a key partner for leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies that seek to accelerate drug discovery in Asia.”

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