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CEPI and Samsung Biologics Form Strategic Partnership to Enhance Vaccine Production

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced a partnership with Samsung Biologics, a leader in contract development and manufacturing. This partnership aims to fortify the global vaccine readiness infrastructure in the face of future pandemic threats. By joining CEPI's Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network (VMFN), Samsung Biologics will play a crucial role in accelerating the availability of protein-based vaccines, particularly for underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

With an initial collaboration budget of up to $20 million, the two organizations will work together to create a flexible and scalable manufacturing process for recombinant-protein vaccines. Samsung Biologics is set to utilize its sophisticated mammalian cell-based systems, which are essential for the large-scale and efficient production of protein-based products. This partnership seeks to establish a pre-activated production process that can be deployed swiftly upon the emergence of new viral threats, enabling a rapid response capability for protein-based vaccines in the future.

As part of the collaboration, Samsung Biologics will also conduct a simulation exercise that will replicate an outbreak response scenario, using a wild-type H5 influenza strain as a prototype pathogen. This exercise, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), is designed to showcase Samsung Biologics' comprehensive capabilities—from antigen development to the finished vaccine supply chain. By demonstrating the efficiency and speed of vaccine production during a simulated outbreak, valuable insights will be gathered that can help streamline the manufacturing process in real-world scenarios.

The agreement stipulates that in the event of a pandemic, Samsung Biologics will guarantee the provision of up to 50 million vaccine doses along with an additional billion doses of the drug substance, ready for conversion into final vaccine products. This vital arrangement not only reserves vaccines for vulnerable populations in LMICs but also aligns with South Korea's national health needs in accordance with CEPI's Equitable Access Policy.

Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Samsung Biologics into the Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network. He stated, “Their capabilities in recombinant protein production will significantly enhance our outbreak-response infrastructure. This partnership will enable quicker transitions from prototype vaccine development to mass production, ensuring underserved communities receive necessary vaccinations swiftly.”

This partnership also aligns with CEPI's ambitious 100 Days Mission, which aims to develop vaccines within 100 days of identifying any new potential pandemic pathogen. By establishing predefined manufacturing pathways, CEPI and Samsung Biologics are poised to ensure that global vaccine supply chains can rapidly scale up in response to emerging health threats.

John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics, remarked, “This agreement mirrors our commitment to nurturing a reliable and adaptable vaccine supply ecosystem through continuous innovation and collaboration. Our joint efforts with CEPI are designed to enhance recombinant protein vaccine development and ensure timely manufacturing capabilities in times of increased demand. We aim to broaden access to high-quality vaccines for patients worldwide.”

As the collaboration evolves, additional projects are anticipated to emerge, focusing on technology transfer, regulatory preparedness, and further advancements in vaccine innovation. With Samsung Biologics' advanced GMP manufacturing technologies, the partnership is set to provide reliable and scalable vaccine production capacities essential for responding effectively to future epidemics and pandemics.

Samsung Biologics joins CEPI's expanding VMFN, which already comprises manufacturing partners located in Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Senegal. Together, the VMFN aspires to create a globally distributed vaccine manufacturing ecosystem capable of rapid, large-scale production—ensuring that populations across the globe have timely access to vaccines in response to new health threats.

About CEPI

CEPI is a pioneering partnership that seeks to accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines and biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats, ensuring they are accessible to all in need. CEPI has backed the development of over 70 vaccine candidates against various high-risk pathogens, epitomizing its mission to effectively combat emerging health crises. For further details, visit CEPI.net.

About Samsung Biologics

Samsung Biologics offers end-to-end integrated services ranging from late discovery through to commercial manufacturing, boasting a combined biomanufacturing capacity of 785,000 liters across its facilities. Among its exceptional capabilities, Samsung Biologics continues to invest in advanced manufacturing techniques and innovative processes to maximize operational excellence while supporting the global health landscape. More information can be found at samsungbiologics.com.