SINGAPORE - Japanese drug giant Takeda Pharmaceutical Co is moving to a new central office in Biopolis to consolidate and streamline its operations in Singapore.

Its new office, about 14,000 sq ft, houses the headquarters of its emerging markets business unit - previously based in Zurich - its regional research and development centre and vaccine business unit.

The firm will also bump up its total headcount here to about 200, with the addition of more than 50 people.

"By consolidating our business units in Singapore, we will be able to streamline communications and recognise efficiencies," said Takeda president and chief operating officer Christophe Weber.

"These efficiencies (will) enable us to better understand and meet the needs of the patients and customers in Asia and around the world."

Mr Giles Platford, president of the firm's emerging markets business unit, said that with its emerging markets business unit now based in Singapore, Takeda will be able to "more quickly address evolving market needs throughout the rapidly growing emerging markets, including Asia-Pacific".

The firm's vaccine business unit here, for example, hosts a laboratory for analysing and developing vaccines against infectious diseases in the region. One targets dengue fever and is slated to enter its third phase of clinical trials.