ABBOTT OPENS NUTRITION R&D CENTRE FOR ASIA

By Zakaria Wahab

SINGAPORE, May 5 (Bernama) –- Abbott, the American global health care
company, today opened its Asia-Pacific nutrition research and development centre
at Singapore’s Biopolis Research Park here.

The centre's opening was officiated by Singapore Economic Development Board
Chairman, Leo Yip.

It is Abbott’s first stand-alone and largest nutrition R&D facility outside
of the United States since the company started going global in its research
operation in 2006.

The US$20 million facility will house 65 scientists from Singapore and
around the region by the end of next year, according to Abbott’s Divisional Vice
President (R&D and Scientific Affairs), Robert Miller at a media briefing.

The centre’s Director Pradip Mukerji said the scientists would develop
products with new ingredients, flavours and packaging to address the most
critical nutritional challenges, dietary needs and taste preference of consumers
throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The centre will also create science-based nutritional products for infants,
children and adults, specifically designed to enhance the health of the Asian
population.

The new R&D centre is Abbott’s third facility in Singapore since it began
operation in the city-state in 1964.

The two others are its analytical R&D laboratory and the US$300 million
nutritional manufacturing facility set up early last year.

-- BERNAMA