#United States #Rockville #Samsung Biologics #GSK #HGS

Samsung Biologics Expands Manufacturing in the U.S.

Samsung Biologics, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in Incheon, South Korea, has made a pivotal move by acquiring Human Genome Sciences (HGS) from GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) for a substantial USD 280 million. This strategic acquisition not only secures Samsung's first manufacturing facility in the United States but also enhances its commitment to bolstering the biopharmaceutical supply chain in the country.

Expansion of Production Capabilities

The newly acquired site, located in Rockville, Maryland, is strategically positioned within one of the U.S.’s key biotechnology hubs. The facility includes two cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturing plants that boast a combined capacity of 60,000 liters for drug substance production. This capacity enables Samsung Biologics to support a wide range of manufacturing programs, from clinical trials to large-scale commercial production.

Under the acquisition terms, Samsung Biologics will not only retain over 500 employees from HGS to ensure operational continuity but will also implement further investments to expand the site’s production capabilities and upgrade its technology. This investment signals a strong commitment to establishing a robust and resilient supply chain for critical biologics, particularly regarding life-saving therapeutics for American patients.

Commitment to the U.S. Market

Samsung Biologics has continuously showcased its operational excellence by completing significant projects like Bio Campus I and II, and is now gearing up for the development of Bio Campus III. This ambitious plan aims to house distinct research and development as well as manufacturing programs for new modalities, aligning with the company’s strategy for growth within the biopharmaceutical sector.

The company’s CEO, John Rim, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, “This landmark acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing global healthcare and bolstering our manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.” He highlighted that deepening collaborations with various stakeholders in the United States is critical to ensuring the reliable supply of life-saving therapeutics.

As part of its extensive portfolio, Samsung Biologics provides a broad range of services encompassing monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA products, and innovative next-generation therapies. The integration of the Rockville facility into Samsung's global network allows for flexible, multi-site options for clients and aims at providing consistent access to essential biomedicines.

GSK’s President for Global Supply Chain, Regis Simard, expressed positivity regarding the divestiture, noting that this partnership secures crucial medicines on U.S. soil while reinforcing GSK’s supply chain resilience. With GSK planning to invest $30 billion in research and development along with manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. over the next five years, the acquisition serves to enhance the biopharmaceutical landscape.

Looking Forward

This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Samsung Biologics' journey towards becoming a global leader in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. By capitalizing on this new facility and its existing operations, Samsung aims to maximize its operational efficiency, production capacity, and ultimately, its ability to deliver high-quality biomedicines to physicians and patients in the U.S. and beyond.

As Samsung Biologics forges ahead with its mission to improve global healthcare through advanced biomedicine solutions, the integration of the Rockville site represents more than just a new plant; it’s a synergistic step towards enhancing healthcare delivery in the United States and ensuring that medical innovations are accessible and reliable. For more information about Samsung Biologics and its offerings, you can visit their official website.