Samsung Biologics Inks More Than $1.4 Billion Manufacturing Deal with European Pharma Company
The manufacturing agreement is expected to run through December 2030, subject to change, with production to take place at Samsung Biologics’ Songdo, South Korea, site.
Sean K - stock.adobe.com
Samsung Biologics disclosed on Jan. 13, 2025 that it has signed a contract manufacturing agreement worth more than $1.4 billion with a Europe-based pharmaceutical company. The name of the European company was not disclosed. The agreement is expected to run through December 2030, subject to change, with production to take place at Samsung Biologics’ Songdo, South Korea, manufacturing site (1).
The agreement bodes well for Samsung Biologics’ prospects for 2025. At a presentation given during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference held Jan. 13–16, 2025 in San Francisco, Calif., the company highlighted several key updates coming up in 2025.
In April 2025, the company expects to complete construction of its fifth biomanufacturing plant, which will be housed on its new Bio Campus II, also expected to open in April. The new plant will add 180,000 L of biomanufacturing capacity, bringing the company’s total global capacity to 784,000 L. The company is also considering constructing a sixth plant as a proactive response to the rising demand for biologics. A sixth plant would raise its total production capacity to 964,000 L, pending board approval.
The company also began offering new services this year to support antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These ADC services build on the company’s expertise in large-scale antibody manufacturing and process engineering and spans late discovery, development, and conjugation.
“Despite industry challenges, Samsung Biologics is well positioned to kick-start a new phase of growth in 2025 with the opening of Bio Campus II and launch of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) services,” John Rim, CEO and president, Samsung Biologics, said at the presentation given in the conference (2). “We’ll continue to invest in new modalities and technologies to better address client needs, maximizing satisfaction and ensuring the delivery of highest-quality products.”
Other key updates included:
- Expanded drug product (DP) services: the company is investing in pre-filled syringe (PFS) capabilities and expects to have a fully automated PFS DP line will be current good manufacturing practice-ready capabilities by 2027.
- Enhanced development capabilities: To better support global pharma and emerging biotech companies, Samsung Biologics is investing in core development capabilities and plans to offer services that incorporate new technology platforms, including its S-HiCon, S-Tensify, S-AfuCHO, and S-OptiCharge platforms to ensure increased productivity and higher quality of molecule.
- Digital transformation: the company also intends to continue investing in further building its integrated digital systems in order to maximize operational efficiency by incorporating artificial intelligence and digital twin technology.
Furthermore, the company announced that it plans to open a regional office in Tokyo this year to boost its ability to offer local support and grow its partnerships in Japan.
References
1. Samsung Biologics. Samsung Biologics Signs Manufacturing Deal with Europe-based Pharma. Fact Sheet. Jan. 13, 2025.
2. Samsung Biologics. Samsung Biologics Presents Business Updates at 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Press Release. Jan. 15, 2025.
