Samsung Biologics, South Korea’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization, announced a significant collaboration with LegoChem Biosciences to advance the development of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics for cancer treatment.
LegoChem Biosciences, renowned for its expertise in ADC technology and synthetic drugs, brings valuable research and development capabilities. Notably, the company transferred its ADC drug candidate, LCB84, to Janssen Biotech last year for a substantial sum, demonstrating the potential of its therapeutic approach.
Under the new agreement, Samsung Biologics will leverage its expertise in antibody development to support the ADC development process. This includes activities such as cell line development and sample cell manufacturing for preclinical and clinical trials, crucial steps in bringing targeted cancer treatments to fruition.
John Lim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on the ADC field, recognizing its significance in the evolving biotechnology landscape. John Lim said, “We will continue to invest in the ADC field to secure competitiveness in the market as it is emerging as a next-generation biotechnology.” He added, “Samsung Biologics aims to enhance collaboration with promising domestic biotech companies such as LegoChem Biosciences to bolster technological competitiveness.”
For LegoChem Biosciences, the partnership with Samsung Biologics represents a pivotal milestone in establishing a reliable domestic supply chain for ADC development. LegoChem Biosciences CEO Kim Yong-zu highlighted the significance of securing antibodies domestically, departing from reliance on overseas suppliers. Kim Yong-zu said, “Previously, we secured antibodies for ADCs solely through overseas companies.” He added, “With this agreement, we expect to establish a stable domestic supply chain with Samsung Biologics.”
Samsung Biologics’ investment in ADC technology extends beyond collaboration with LegoChem Biosciences. The company has previously made strategic investments in prominent players in the ADC space, including Swiss developer Araris Biotech and domestic biotech firm AimedBio. These investments underscore Samsung Biologics’ commitment to staying at the forefront of biotechnological advancements.
Furthermore, Samsung Biologics is poised to enhance its manufacturing capabilities by completing a dedicated production facility for ADC-relevant drugs by the end of the year. This expansion reflects the company’s proactive approach to meeting the growing demand for innovative therapeutics and further solidifying its position as a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
The collaboration between Samsung Biologics and LegoChem Biosciences holds promise for advancing the development of ADC therapeutics, offering new hope in the fight against cancer and underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in driving medical innovation.
