Flagship Pioneering, the US-based bioplatform innovation company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), the National University Hospital (NUH) and the National University Health System (NUHS) to advance research and development in human health and sustainability.

The collaboration, announced on 7 May 2025, establishes a five-year framework under which the four institutions will co-create, co-develop and co-resource a series of research projects. The work will draw on Flagship Pioneering’s existing portfolio of more than 40 companies, as well as future ventures it founds.

Singapore as an APAC anchor for life science innovation

Flagship Pioneering, best known as the company that created and funded Moderna, is positioning Singapore as a strategic hub for its Asia Pacific expansion. The agreement follows a previously announced collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and is intended to connect Singapore’s biotech ecosystem with Flagship’s global network.

“Our collaboration with NUS Medicine, NUH and NUHS will help us realise our goal to expand the global reach and impact of Flagship and its companies and serve as an anchor in Singapore and throughout Asia Pacific for globally connected life science innovation,” said André Andonian, Chair of Asia Pacific and Strategic Advisor at Flagship Pioneering.

Clinical data and translational research at the core

Under the agreement, Flagship will access clinical data from NUH and NUHS to generate new biological insights and test clinical hypotheses aimed at improving patient outcomes. The partnership will also create career development opportunities for NUS Medicine scientists and students through secondments, internships and participation in the Flagship Fellowship programme.

As integral parts of the NUHS academic health system, NUS Medicine and NUH are uniquely positioned to translate groundbreaking biomedical research seamlessly into real-world clinical solutions. Through this partnership with Flagship, we aim to drive greater innovation and bridge the gap between discovery and patient care. — Professor Chong Yap Seng, Dean, NUS Medicine, and Deputy Chief Executive (Education & Research), NUHS

The collaboration reflects a broader effort to internationalise Singapore’s biomedical research base and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical and commercial applications across the Asia Pacific region.