Samsung gains first US manufacturing site through $280m GSK deal

Samsung Biologics has expanded its manufacturing footprint to the US, acquiring its first facility in the country through a $280 million deal with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) said its agreement to purchase the pharma company’s Human Genome Sciences facility in Maryland underscored its “long-term dedication to the US biopharmaceutical industry and supply chain”.

The site can currently handle the production of 60,000 litres of drug substance and Samsung said it planned to make further investments to expand that capacity.

John Rim, CEO and President of Samsung Biologics, said: “This landmark acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing global healthcare and bolstering our manufacturing capabilities in the US.

“[It] marks an important step forward in our mission to achieve a better life through biomedicines, and we look forward to building on the legacy of this facility as we welcome experienced colleagues to the Samsung Biologics family and continue delivering innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact.”

The Rockville, Maryland facility encompasses two cGMP manufacturing plants with a combined 60,000 litre capacity and can support small and large scale clinical and commercial production.

The firm said that existing products could continue to be manufactured at the site, with its expansion plans targeted at “critical biologic medicines”.

The agreement is expected to close by the end of the first quarter, with Samsung retaining more than 500 employees at the site to ensure operational continuity and stability.

Regis Simard, President, Global Supply Chain at GSK, said: “Along with GSK’s recent commitment to invest $30bn in R&D and manufacturing in the US over the next 5 years, this deal enables us to further focus on building the agility, capacity and capability needed in our manufacturing network to deliver the next generation of specialty medicines and vaccines.”