GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Samsung Biologics announced they have entered into a partnership to provide GSK with additional capacity to manufacture and supply its innovative biopharmaceutical therapies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Biologics is to provide GSK with additional capacity for large-scale biopharmaceutical product manufacturing, which will be flexible depending on GSK’s future needs and will supplement GSK’s existing manufacturing network. “Today’s agreement with Samsung Biologics complements and reinforces our existing world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing capability and will help ensure we can continue to deliver the transformative medicines that patients need”, said Regis Simard, President, Pharmaceuticals Supply Chain, GSK.
The agreement is said to be worth more than US$231 million over the next eight years. It will initially cover commercial production of Benlysta (belimumab), with technology transfer starting in 2020 and first commercial supply expected in 2022. The intention is to expand to additional specialty-care products in the future. “We are very proud and excited to announce this long-term agreement with GSK”, said Dr Tae Han Kim, CEO, Samsung Biologics. “Samsung Biologics entered the biopharma industry with the goal to help our clients bring valuable biological medicines to patients faster. We are thrilled to partner with GSK, a company who shares the vision.”
Picture credit: GSK