Samsung Biologics signs deal with Enzolytics

Samsung Biologics' third plant in Songdo, Incheon. [SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS]

Samsung Biologics signed a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) deal with Texas-based Enzolytics for two drugs, including a Covid-19 treatment candidate, the Korean biopharmaceutical company said Thursday.

Under the deal, Samsung Biologics will offer end-to-end services from developing cell line, manufacturing clinical drug substances, to submitting applications for clinical trials for Enzolytics’ Covid-19 treatment candidate and a treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Enzolytics has been developing a Covid-19 treatment that is effective against variants.

Samsung Biologics plans to offer help in cell line development through its research & development center in San Francisco. Production of materials for clinical trials will be carried out at its facility in Songdo, Incheon.

The Korean biopharmaceutical company said the two parties will continue to have discussions on contracts for other drugs being developed by Enzolytics.

“Partnering with Enzolytics reinforces the value of our fully integrated, end-to-end business model, which is designed to meet the unique needs and goals of our biotech clients,” said John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. “We look forward to providing comprehensive services and professional support for the manufacturing of this important class of monoclonal antibody therapeutics for the treatment of Covid-19 and HIV, helping to accelerate the process of drug development to IND filing [submitting applications for clinical trials] and bring these life-saving products to patients.”

Samsung Biologics has three factories in full operation in Songdo and is constructing a fourth, which is expected to be completed in 2023. The fourth plant will bring Samsung Biologics’ annual production capacity to 620,000 liters (163,787 gallons), which the company says is the largest in the world and nearly 30 percent of the global contract manufacturing market for bio pharmaceuticals.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]