Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore (BioPIPS)

BioPIPS or the Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore aims to strengthen local biomanufacturing capabilities and transform Singapore’s biologics manufacturing facilities into agile factories of the future. It works through a consortium model consisting leading biopharma companies and Singapore’s public sector R&D agencies and universities.

Vision: Transform biologics manufacturing through the introduction of new technologies and products into Singapore’s manufacturing facilities

Objectives:

  • Leverage public sector R&D capabilities to address problem statements from local biologics manufacturing facilities to enhance manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency 
  • Transform the existing biologics manufacturing operations in Singapore so that the manufacturing sites are best-in-class within their respective manufacturing network and well positioned for the introduction of new products and novel manufacturing technologies
  • Leverage strong foundation through synergies in operations, resources, learning and collaboration of technologies with PIPS

 

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Consortium Members

Combined Consortium Logos Bio Pips V2

A consortium agreement was inked on 15 March 2024 between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and 3 major pharmaceutical MNCs, i.e. BioNTech Pharmaceuticals Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Sanofi-Aventis Singapore Pte Ltd. They are also the founding Core Members of BioPIPS. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) has also joined the consortium as its latest research performer.

The Extended Team is a diverse group consisting pharmaceutical supply chain, technology, consultancy, training and engineering companies, including SMEs and LLEs invited by the Core Members to participate in specific projects. The team comprises Aleph Digital Technologies Pte Ltd, Arcondis Pte Ltd, Magorium Pte Ltd, Memsift Innovations Pte Ltd and Morimatsu Pharmadule (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Interested companies are encouraged to contact the BioPIPS Programme Office to find out more about joining the consortium.

Note: Companies are listed in alphabetical order.

 

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BioNTech, GSK, Sanofi, NTU, NTUitive, NUS and SIT signed a membership agreement on 15 March 2024 to join the Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore (BioPIPS) consortium led by A*STAR and supported by EDB. EDB’s Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President and Member of EXCO, witnessed the membership agreement signing.

 

Workstreams

Sensing and Modelling

Focuses on developing and validating in-process, automated workflows to translate process performance into actionable knowledge. Specifically, the aim is to improve the accuracy and robustness of sensing technologies and facilitate the incorporation of AI and modelling approaches into manufacturing processes to enable quicker and more effective product and process control.

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Sustainability

Focuses on technologies to achieve sustainability targets, including zero waste-to-landfill and reducing environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The workstream aims to use models to identify sustainability bottlenecks in manufacturing and supply chains, explore new technologies to reduce resource utilisation and waste generation, and rethink the expanded utility of single-use equipment through the lens of materials science and circular economy considerations.

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Compliant Agility

Underpinning medicine supply is the trust in the efficacy and safety of the manufactured products which need to comply to regulations. This workstream focuses on removing manual tasks to achieve greater productivity in the manufacturing facilities while maintaining compliance by using solutions, e.g. robotics, automation and advanced analytics.

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Projects

Various projects are pursued in the workstreams to deliver impact and implementable solutions to address problem statements prioritised by the biopharmaceutical industry. In close partnership with our industry partners, BioPIPS continues to build a deep pipeline of projects to serve the needs of the biopharmaceutical industry.

Unlocking Raman Spectroscopy for Multi-scale Bioreactors through Physical Modelling and Machine Learning This project aims to develop a scalable Raman spectroscopy calibration model across different bioreactor scales to accurately monitor CPPs and CQAs. The project will investigate the physical parameters and biochemical factors influencing Raman readouts to develop a scale-independent and generic model.
Advanced Machine Learning-based Modelling of Bioreactors across Multiple Scales This project will develop machine learning models by leveraging data collected from sensor measurements to analyse and predict complex and dynamic biological systems in bioreactors of varying scales.
*Real-time Online Endotoxin and Bioburden Monitoring using Advanced Sensing and Predictive Modelling This project aims to develop an integrated real-time sensor system using affinity-based SERS, quartz crystal microbalance and machine learning to continuously monitor endotoxins and bioburden in WFI during cleaning validation. The technology seeks to replace lengthy laboratory tests to enable faster contamination detection which will reduce batch failure risks and improve manufacturing efficiency and compliance.
*Label-free Bioburden Detection using Machine Learning Aided UV Absorbance Spectroscopy This project aims to develop a rapid, label-free, low-cost bioburden detection method for cleaning validation. Using UV absorbance spectroscopy to detect bacterial metabolites coupled with AI modelling, the project seeks to assess contamination in WFI samples. This novel approach enables rapid, sensitive and broad-spectrum microbial detection without incubation, enrichment media or labelling to support real-time, at-line monitoring and PAT integration.
*Aptamer-based SERS Biosensor for Online and Real-time Bioburden Detection in Cleaning Validation will develop an online, microfluidic SERS biosensor which integrates aptamer-based whole-cell capture and machine learning spectral analysis for rapid bioburden detection during biopharmaceutical cleaning validation. Targeting rapid results, the prototype will detect the microorganisms and be benchmarked against compendial culture methods. The technology aims to enable real-time monitoring, faster equipment release, fewer recleaning cycles and improved microbial risk management.
Modular Pre-treatment Process Development (MPPD) for Circularity in Biopharmaceutical Single Use Plastics This project aims to develop and implement modular pre-treatment processes to achieve a clean homogenous plastic waste stream for off takers to close the biopharmaceutical plastic waste loop.
Robot-aided Automation for Disinfection and Adaptive Cleaning (RADAC) This project will implement an automated cleanroom maintenance solution using a fleet of specialised cleaning robots for different surfaces in Grade C and D cleanrooms. The project will develop modular cleaning end-effectors and a data logging system for cleaning operations using the Robotic Middleware Framework (RMF).
Integration of Automated Sampling System for Daily Bioreactor Sampling and Optimisation of Bacterial Cell Separation from Culture Samples for Biomanufacturing This project will improve bioprocess quality control through 2 innovations – (1) Automating sterile sample collection from single-use bioreactors using robotic systems and customised interfaces and (2) Developing centrifugation-based microbial testing to reduce sample volumes and plating requirements. These approaches seek to minimise human error, accelerate testing, reduce labour and consumable costs, and maintain detection accuracy.

* Projects that are designed as proof-of-concept studies to address the problem statement – Real-time Bioburden and Endotoxin Detection – Sensors and Modelling

 

Application Materials for BioPIPS Grant Calls

Media Releases

BioPIPS consortium in Singapore expands membership, seeks to enhance productivity and sustainability in biologics manufacturing, A*STAR Press Release
18-Mar-2024

SINGAPORE – The Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore (BioPIPS) has been expanded with the addition of global immunotherapy company, i.e. BioNTech Pharmaceuticals Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. The company joins global pharmaceutical companies, i.e. GSK and Sanofi, alongside Singapore’s research organisations and Institutes of Higher Learning, i.e. Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and its innovation and enterprise company, i.e. NTUitive, National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

The consortium is led by A*STAR and supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB). It aims to grow Singapore’s capabilities in biologics manufacturing by focusing on increasing productivity and sustainability to transform the existing base of biologics production in Singapore.

Get in touch with BioPIPS

Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore (BioPIPS) Programme Office

31 Biopolis Way
#08-01 Nanos
Singapore 138669