Samsung Biologics extends Bristol Myers Squibb manufacturing pact

Samsung Biologics has an existing manufacturing agreement to produce BMS’ antibody cancer drugs in South Korea, with continued expansions in their collaboration taking place over time. The latest deal with BMS will see Samsung producing BMS’ products in its latest facility, Plant 4, which was completed earlier this year.

A filing by Samsung Biologics​ indicates that the deal, which was placed with BMS’ subsidiary Swords Laboratories, is worth around $242 million over the next seven years.

"Our relationship with Bristol Myers Squibb spans over a decade, and we are proud and excited to help bring important medicines to patients around the world," said John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics, in a public statement. "This collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb underscores our commitment to expediting the delivery and ensuring the continuous supply of client pipelines, enabled by our commitment to manufacturing quality, innovation, and capacity."

The CDMO works with biotech and pharmaceutical clients to manufacture their products, with activities ranging from cell line development and laboratory testing support to aseptic fill/finish. Samsung Biologics’ Plant 4 facility has a capacity of 604KL and the company is planning to build a bigger facility called Plant 5, scheduled for completion in 2025.

Samsung Biologics has been active with other partner companies this year. One of the biggest examples was two pacts with the big pharma company Pfizer that combined were worth a total of $897 million. Under the deal terms, Samsung Biologics’s Plant 4 would produce biosimilar treatments in a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, inflammation and immunology.

Other major companies tapping into Samsung Biologics’ manufacturing services this year include Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline.