Samsung Biologics is proceeding with a multi-billion-dollar-plus investment to expand its biomanufacturing capacity, which includes the addition of new biomanufacturing plant in South Korea. The company’s expansion news was outlined by Kevin Sharp, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Sales, Samsung Biologics, at the DCAT Member Company Announcement Forum held on March 18th, 2024, at DCAT Week.   

Samsung Biologics is fueling its growth trajectory through the introduction of its fifth biomanufacturing plant and the expansion of its Bio Campus II, along with the establishment of a new stand-alone antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) facility in Songdo, South Korea. Plant 5, with a capacity of 180,000 liters and spanning an area of 96,000 m², is scheduled for completion in April 2025, contributing to a significant increase in the company’s overall biomanufacturing capacity, which will reach a total of 784,000 liters upon Plant 5’s completion.  

The investment for Plant 5 amounts to KRW 1.9 trillion (approximately $1.46 billion). For the comprehensive development of Bio Campus II, which will entail future Plants 5-8 and an open innovation center, Samsung Biologics plans to allocate KRW 7.5 trillion (approximately US $6 billion). 

The expansion of Bio Campus II and the establishment of the ADC facility align with Samsung Biologics’ overarching strategy, which centers on three key pillars: capacity, portfolio, and geography. Capacity expansion involves the construction of Bio Campus II, featuring four plants, each with a 180,000-liter capacity. Combined with Bio Campus I, the company aims to offer a total capacity exceeding 1.3 million liters by 2032. Portfolio expansion encompasses a diverse array of therapies, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), duals, messenger RNA (mRNA), ADCs, with future plans to explore cell and gene therapy. In terms of geography, Samsung Biologics says it seeks to fortify its presence in pivotal regions such as the US and Europe through its US sales offices, as well as via strategic expansions, investments, and potential mergers and acquisitions in the future.