GlaxoSmithKline and Samsung Biologics, a contract biologics manufacturer, have entered into a $231-million, eight-year partnership under which Samsung Biologics will provide GSK with additional capacity to manufacture and supply GSK’s biopharmaceutical therapies.

Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics will provide GSK with additional capacity for large-scale biopharmaceutical product manufacturing. This capacity will be flexible depending on GSK’s needs and will supplement GSK’s existing manufacturing network.

The agreement is worth more than $231 million over the next eight years. It will initially cover commercial production of GSK’s Benlysta (belimumab), a prescription medicine for treating patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus receiving other lupus medicines, with technology transfer starting in 2020 and first commercial supply expected in 2022. The companies say the intention is to expand to additional specialty-care products in the future.

Source: GlaxoSmithKline and Samsung Biologics