Abbott targets better nutrition with new R&D facility in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - The goal of Abbott’s newest research and development facility inaugurated recently in Singapore is to gain local insight to enhance nutrition and promote optimal health outcomes in Asia. By investing US$20 million and employing 40 scientists in a center at the Biopolis Research Park, the healthcare company is set to address the distinct nutritional challenges and dietary needs of consumers in the Asia Pacific region even better. The site is the company’s largest nutrition R&D facility outside the United States

“Innovation is the lifeblood of Abbott, and the goal is to produce products for the region from the region,” said Pradip Mukerji, PhD, director of the Abbott Nutrition Research and Development Asia-Pacific Center. “Being here and understanding specific healthcare needs makes us more responsive.” 

Apart from developing products suited to Asian taste preferences, Abbott nutrition scientists work on programs involving clinical studies in human nutrition and packaging development. The efforts to constantly innovate and improve by using novel ingredient processing techniques and widely used analytical test methods have resulted in significant gains. Abbott scientists have pioneered in formulating infant formulas containing nutrient and ingredient blends that help the development of infants’ eyes, brains, bones, and immune systems, and specially designed formulas to meet the special dietary needs of premature and low-birth-weight babies. In addition, the company manufactures specialized formulas to address the needs of infants and children with multiple food allergies, severe gastrointestinal impairment, and metabolic diseases.

But the company does not develop products for infants and children alone. Abbott Nutrition develops and markets a wide range of science-based nutritional products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages.

“Build when you are young, and maintain later in life,” recommended Dr. Mukerji.

The science of nutrition entails strengthening and maintaining, and the company advocates that “at the heart of health is proper nutrition.” The purpose of their broad range of nutritional products is to help babies and children grow, work to keep bodies strong, and support the specific needs of patients with chronic illnesses. Abbott Nutrition’s internationally recognized brands include the Similac brand of infant formulas; Gain and Grow follow-on formulas and growing up milk for older babies and toddlers; and PediaSure, a complete, balanced nutritional formula for children aged one to 13 years old. The company also manufactures convenient, portable products and medical foods for adults.

Nutrition products designed to meet the distinct dietary needs of people with serious health conditions like diabetes, cancer, lung disease, and kidney disease are formulated in state-of-the-art laboratories. For example, Abbott’s Glucerna brand was the first therapeutic nutritional product for people with diabetes.

“Healthcare is an important issue in growing populations,” said Robert Miller, divisional vice president for research and development and scientific affairs. “What makes this R&D center unique is that it is a stand-alone facility that will focus innovations on key benefit platforms.” Asia is one of Abbott’s fastest growing markets and investing in an R&D facility here will help the company keep up with regional demands. The investment will advance Abbott’s nutrition business, which, in the past, brought in a total of US$5.3 billion in revenue for the company.

“Like Abbott, multinational companies from around the world are growing their Asian footprint to tap the strong growth potential of the region,” said Leo Yip, chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board. “Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest growing market for baby food.

At the other end of the age spectrum, aging populations around the world present a challenge, but also an opportunity. By 2050, the number of people above 60 years or older will triple to two billion. Two thirds of this population will reside in Asia. While there will be added pressure on healthcare cost, there will also be increasing emphasis on health, wellness, and proper nutrition.”