A*STAR sets up new synthesis lab to improve chemistry, drug research
Channel NewsAsia
By Jeana Wong,
November 2, 2005
SINGAPORE : A*STAR's Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences has set up a chemical synthesis laboratory aimed at filling a missing link in Singapore's biomedical value chain.
The research-focused lab will train PhD holders in tracing the structures of natural substances, with the aim of developing new synthetic drugs.
A*STAR says such a facility will help Singapore's talent access the more lucrative side of the biomedical business.
The new laboratory is a training camp for high-end research in chemical synthesis - the science of making synthetic drugs by cracking the codes of natural substances.
And industry watchers say such sophisticated research is where the money is.
Philip Yeo, A*STAR's chairman said: "Many of the pharma industry we have in Singapore are basically synthetics but we don't make those compounds. They are all bought in and then cooked together, and made into a pill.
"The real research is at the front end where you try to discover or synthesise compound."
Pharmaceuticals make up 90% of Singapore's manufacturing output for biomedical sciences, which grew by one-third on year to reach nearly S$16 billion last year.
The chemical synthesis lab, called CSL@Biopolis, is expected to advance R&D work and expand the capabilities of Singapore's chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries.
And scientists say Singapore will need to train people to be better in chemistry if it wants to gain a foothold in drug research.
Said KC Nicolaou, director of CSL@Biopolis and chemistry professor at Scripps Research Institute: "It's very clear to me and to other scientists that chemistry is lacking behind in Singapore. There's no tradition for that.
"This is what this initiative is all about - to bring chemistry up to speed and to produce and train young people who'll go into the biotechnology sector and pharmaceutical sector. They will work with biologists in those companies to discover the next generation of miracle drugs."
The facility is now working on two substances known to exhibit antibiotic and anti-cancer properties.
It has recruited 12 researchers so far and plans to more than double its team to nearly 30 over the next two years.