Strategic Expansion Signals Singapore's Rising Star in Global Biotech
Cirrus Therapeutics, a pioneering ocular immunology biotech company, has made headlines with its strategic expansion into Singapore. The company has established a new research and development (R&D) site in the heart of Biopolis, Singapore's premier biomedical hub at 3 Biopolis Drive. This move complements its UK scientific roots and US operational infrastructure, positioning Singapore as a key hub for Asia-Pacific research, clinical development, and partnerships.
Leading the Singapore operations is Si Hui Tan, PhD, appointed as Director, Pipeline and Site Head. With a doctorate in Cancer Biology from Stanford University and prior experience leading liver regeneration programs, Dr. Tan brings world-class expertise to accelerate Cirrus' mission of extending ocular healthspan through innovative therapies.
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Dry AMD Challenge
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 50, affecting over 200 million people globally and projected to reach 288 million by 2040. Dry AMD, the most common form comprising 85-90% of cases, progresses from early drusen deposits to geographic atrophy (GA), where retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells die, leading to irreversible central vision loss.
In Singapore, an aging population exacerbates the burden. By age 75, approximately 1 in 3 individuals may develop some form of AMD, with dry AMD prevalence mirroring global trends around 0.44% but rising rapidly due to demographics. RPE cells, a monolayer supporting photoreceptors, are critical; their dysfunction triggers inflammation, metabolic stress, and photoreceptor death.
Cirrus Therapeutics' Innovative Pipeline: From Gene to Cell Therapy
Cirrus' lead program is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy restoring interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M), encoded by IRAK3. IRAK-M regulates immune homeostasis in the eye, declining with age and rare variants increasing AMD risk. By replenishing IRAK-M, the therapy reduces inflammation, normalizes metabolism, and protects RPE and photoreceptors, targeting early dry AMD to prevent GA progression.
The newly unveiled second program is a next-generation RPE cell therapy for center-involving GA. Unlike traditional stem cell-derived RPE, Cirrus' engineered cells are designed for resilience in GA's hostile, inflamed environment. They integrate into the retina, providing structural and metabolic support to salvage photoreceptors and potentially restore central vision—a class-leading regenerative approach.
The Multi-Million Dollar A*STAR Partnership: Catalyzing Innovation
A cornerstone of the expansion is a multi-million dollar collaboration with Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), specifically its Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB). Led by Executive Director Associate Professor Xinyi Su, PhD, MBChir—a clinician-scientist at National University Hospital (NUH) and expert in retinal regenerative therapies—the partnership accelerates Cirrus' ophthalmic assets.
- Leverages A*STAR's cutting-edge platforms for cell manufacturing and preclinical testing.
- Builds on IMCB's prior RPE research, including single-cell insights into transplanted RPE maturation.
- Supports rapid progression toward clinical trials.
Prof Su's work on biomaterials, stem cells, and nucleic acids for retinal diseases aligns perfectly, promising breakthroughs in RPE transplantation for AMD.
Singapore's Biopolis: A Global Biotech Powerhouse
Biopolis, where Cirrus' new site resides, is Singapore's biomedical epicenter, hosting A*STAR institutes, universities like National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). This ecosystem fosters public-private collaborations, with over S$37 billion invested in R&D via Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030).
The expansion underscores Singapore's ambition as Asia's biotech hub, attracting global firms through incentives, talent pools, and clinical infrastructure. For higher education, it means enhanced research opportunities at IMCB-linked labs and universities.
Photo by Artyom Korshunov on Unsplash
Bridging Academia and Industry: University Roles in Singapore's Eye Research
Singapore's universities play pivotal roles. NUS and Duke-NUS Medical School have advanced RPE stem cell therapies, including laminin-based engraftment and adult retinal stem cell RPE transplants. NUH, affiliated with NUS, hosts Prof Su's clinical work. Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) collaborates on retinal diseases.
Past A*STAR-IMCB-NUS-SERI projects, like RxCell's cellular therapeutics for age-related diseases, exemplify translational success. Cirrus' entry boosts PhD/postdoc training in gene/cell therapies, with IMCB's 40-year legacy in biomedical innovation.
Career Opportunities in Singapore's Cell Therapy Landscape
The partnership opens doors for higher ed graduates. Singapore boasts hundreds of cell therapy jobs, from research fellows at A*STAR/IMCB to biotechnologists in mammalian cell culture.Explore research assistant roles in ocular biotech or faculty positions in ophthalmology.
- PhD students: RPE engineering, AAV vectors at NUS/IMCB.
- Postdocs: Preclinical AMD models, per Prof Su's lab.
- Industry: Bioprocessing at Biopolis firms like Cirrus.
- Clinical: Trials at NUH/SERI.
With 270+ cell therapy vacancies, Singapore offers competitive salaries and career growth.Craft your academic CV for these opportunities.
Challenges and Solutions in RPE Cell Therapy Development
RPE therapies face hurdles: poor engraftment, immune rejection, hostile GA microenvironment. Cirrus addresses these via resilient cells; prior IMCB studies show maturing subpopulations post-transplant.
- Stem cell derivation: iPSC/pluripotent sources.
- Engineering for survival: Anti-inflammatory, metabolic tweaks.
- Delivery: Subretinal patches/suspensions.
- Safety: GMP manufacturing at Biopolis.
Singapore's ecosystem, with EDB support, de-risks translation.
Global Context: RPE Therapies in Clinical Pipelines
Globally, RPE trials like Luxa Biotechnology's RPESC-RPE show vision gains in dry AMD. Singapore's efforts position it competitively, with A*STAR's GMP capabilities accelerating IND filings.
Future Outlook: Transforming Vision Care in Asia-Pacific
Cirrus-A*STAR could pioneer RPE therapy approvals by 2030, addressing Singapore's AMD surge. Impacts include job creation (100s in cell therapy), talent attraction, and spinouts from universities.
For academics eyeing biotech careers, postdoc opportunities abound. Explore Singapore higher ed jobs or university positions.
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Ocular Research in Singapore
Cirrus Therapeutics' Singapore entry and RPE program unveil, powered by A*STAR, herald a new era. Aspiring researchers, check Rate My Professor for mentors, higher ed jobs, and career advice. Stay ahead in Singapore's thriving biotech scene.
