Abbott Opens Asia-Pacific Nutrition Research & Development Center in Singapore

SINGAPORE, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT), the global health care company, today announced the opening of the Abbott Asia-Pacific Nutrition Research & Development Center at Singapore's Biopolis Research Park.  The center is Abbott's largest nutrition R&D facility outside of the U.S., and Singapore's first nutrition R&D site creating science-based nutritional products for infants, children and adults.  Abbott scientists at the center will develop products with new ingredients, flavors and packaging to address the most critical nutritional challenges, dietary needs and taste preferences of consumers throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  The opening was announced at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier today.

The role of nutrition in the development of the brain, bones, immune system and metabolic function of infants and children will be key areas of research and innovation.  Nutritional research in adults will include management of diabetes, obesity and the importance of maintaining muscle mass.  The center also will design and conduct comprehensive clinical trials throughout Asia-Pacific to obtain scientific information on unmet health care needs in the region.  

"The Abbott Asia-Pacific Nutrition Research & Development Center will allow us to tap into the unique intellectual capital of Singapore and export the innovations we discover at the center to countries around the world," said Holger A. Liepmann, executive vice president, Abbott Nutrition.  "Abbott scientists in Singapore will further advance our understanding of the role of nutrition in human health, and combine that knowledge with the science of taste and consumer preference to develop products people both benefit from and enjoy."

"The establishment of the Abbott Asia-Pacific Nutrition R&D Center marks a significant milestone in the Abbott-Singapore partnership.  Singapore is proud to be Abbott Nutrition's Asia-Pacific hub for business and now for innovation," said Leo Yip, chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board.  "From this laboratory at the Biopolis, Abbott Nutrition will be able to tap on Singapore's biomedical research capabilities and access pan-Asian consumer insights to develop new generations of products customized for Asia-Pacific and drive its growth in the region."

Abbott's Commitment to Singapore and the Asia-Pacific Region

The new Abbott Asia-Pacific Nutrition R&D Center is the latest addition to Abbott's growing presence in Singapore and the region.  The center at Singapore's Biopolis Research Park is Abbott's fifth expansion in the region in less than 18 months.

• Analytical R&D Laboratory in Singapore (January 2009)
• Abbott Manufacturing Singapore (February 2009)
• Pharmaceutical R&D lab in Shanghai, China  (March 2009)
• Nutrition manufacturing in Guangzhou, China (March 2009)
• Abbott Asia-Pacific Nutrition R&D Center in Singapore (May 2010)

Abbott employs more than 12,000 people in the Asia-Pacific region.  The Abbott Asia-Pacific Nutrition R&D Center will house approximately 65 scientists in Singapore.  Up to 90 percent of the hires at the center will come from Singapore and the broader region.

Abbott continues to focus on its total research investment – more than U.S. $2.7 billion in 2009 in 10 dedicated R&D centers worldwide – to build a diverse R&D pipeline.

Scientific Innovation at Abbott

Abbott was founded on the idea that using new technologies and treatment approaches could dramatically improve the quality of care for patients.  Today, Abbott's 7,000 scientists around the world are focused on using breakthrough science to develop effective treatments and solve unmet medical needs.  

About Abbott Nutrition

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.  Abbott Nutrition's internationally recognized brands include the Similac® brand of infant formulas; the Gain® brand of follow-on formulas and growing-up milks for older babies and toddlers; the PediaSure® brand of complete and balanced nutrition for children; and the Ensure® brand of complete and balanced nutrition for adults. Additionally, Abbott Nutrition is a leader in medical foods clinically shown to address the distinct dietary needs of people with serious health conditions or special nutrient requirements, such as the Glucerna® brand of nutrition shakes and bars for people with diabetes.  Abbott Nutrition also offers EAS® specialized nutrition products to meet the unique needs of athletes, as well as ZonePerfect® All-Natural Nutrition Bars for busy people.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.  The company employs approximately 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott