Latest news with #BioUSA
![[Bio USA] SK Biopharmaceuticals CEO highlights resilience, open innovation amid global shifts](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F06%2F22%2Fnews-p.v1.20250622.6f347ba79b0f48699e57a8849a11dca7_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Bio USA] SK Biopharmaceuticals CEO highlights resilience, open innovation amid global shifts](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
22-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Bio USA] SK Biopharmaceuticals CEO highlights resilience, open innovation amid global shifts
Korea Herald correspondent BOSTON — SK Biopharmaceuticals CEO Lee Dong-hoon underscored the company's preparedness for potential US tariff changes and emphasized the critical role of open innovation in shaping the future of global pharmaceuticals. 'We've weathered volatility in our share price over the past year, but the impact of potential price cuts has been minimal,' Lee said Thursday during a press conference on the sidelines of the 2025 Bio USA. 'Our direct-to-market sales model remains fundamentally solid.' He recalled a particularly tense moment earlier this year when shifting US tariff policies posed logistical challenges. In April, the company rushed to transport finished products from Canada into the US before a new tariff deadline. 'When the final truck finally cleared customs, everyone burst into applause,' he recounted. To prevent such risks from recurring, the company now assembles finished products in Canada and ensures shipments cross the border ahead of any policy changes. Looking ahead, SK Biopharmaceuticals is evaluating Puerto Rico as a potential US-based manufacturing site, leveraging its status as a US territory and pharmaceutical hub. 'Canada is cost-effective for now, but we're preparing for every scenario,' Lee said, noting the company's tariff risk is now 'close to zero' for the year. Lee also expressed confidence in the company's long-term growth. 'We've already announced our goal to hit 1 trillion won ($728 million) in sales by 2029, and we're on track,' he said, citing consistent profitability since last year. A cornerstone of SK Biopharmaceuticals' strategy is open innovation. Instead of relying solely on internal research and development, the company is partnering with universities, biotech firms and research institutions. 'Major global pharmaceutical firms are moving away from in-house basic research, and so are we. When you can collaborate and generate results at a fraction of the cost, your possibilities expand," he explained. The CEO emphasized the importance of tapping into underutilized technologies at US universities and biotech startups to diversify the company's pipeline, moving beyond its core focus on epilepsy into areas like oncology. Artificial intelligence is another major focus area. Lee highlighted the company's work on EEG-based seizure prediction models in collaboration with European and South American partners, along with AI algorithm development trials currently underway in Korea. 'AI is no longer optional. It's essential in every part of the business,' he said. One standout partnership is with PhnyX Lab, whose AI-driven automation of clinical documentation significantly reduced paperwork. 'Even our US team, which was initially skeptical, was blown away,' Lee said, calling the shift 'Copernican' in scale for how it will reduce time and cost. The CEO also outlined plans to build a global digital platform for epilepsy patients — a space where patients and physicians can share experiences and insights. 'It's not about selling drugs,' he clarified. 'It's about collecting data to inform AI-powered marketing, drug development and clinical trial design.' The company is looking three to five years ahead, aiming to build an ecosystem where shared data drives innovation across functions. In the US, SK Biopharmaceuticals is intensifying its engagement with health care providers. Lee has personally met with dozens of physicians this year, aiming for 100 meetings, to gather insights that will shape lifecycle strategies such as patent extensions, expanded indications and new formulations like IV delivery. Meanwhile, SK Biopharmaceuticals has invested in targeted TV and YouTube campaigns for its flagship epilepsy drug, Xcopri (cenobamate). Its 'Road to Reduction' campaign drew 9.37 million views in just one month, signaling the brand's growing visibility and leadership in the epilepsy treatment market.
![[Bio USA] Celltrion deepens global ties, unveils R&D vision at Bio USA](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F06%2F20%2Fnews-p.v1.20250620.cdcac9ea11d1450b88549214dd282783_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Bio USA] Celltrion deepens global ties, unveils R&D vision at Bio USA
BOSTON — Korean biotech company Celltrion showcased its expanded vision as a next-generation drug developer at Bio USA this week, using the global stage in Boston to deepen ties with international partners and explore cutting-edge biotech collaborations. According to Celltrion on Thursday, the company held more than 150 meetings over the four-day event, engaging in discussions with global pharmaceutical and biotech firms on a wide range of potential collaborations. Over 1,800 visitors stopped by Celltrion's booth during the convention, as announced by the company. Focusing on its core mission of "new drug development" this year, the company concentrated on exploring partnership opportunities to strengthen its pipeline in areas such as antibody-drug conjugates, multispecific antibodies, novel antibody drugs and peptides. The company also held extensive discussions on open innovation initiatives aimed at identifying promising technologies in drug development. Celltrion plans to closely review the meetings from Bio USA to identify potential partners with high growth potential and technical capabilities. In addition, the company said it engaged in wide-ranging talks about expanding its distribution network, receiving collaboration proposals from various companies for drug transportation, storage and other logistical support. Celltrion supplies its biosimilar products through direct sales channels in major global markets. For countries where it relies on indirect sales, the company actively held meetings to strengthen its existing distribution networks. Beyond business meetings, Celltrion also conducted promotional activities throughout the event, such as placing QR-coded brochures throughout its booth to highlight the company's key businesses and major products. Visitors who participated in surveys were offered custom keychains as part of a fun event to drive engagement. 'There was notable interest this year in Celltrion's expansion into the new drug development space,' a Celltrion official said. 'We are committed to securing the best technologies and potential partnerships to advance our pipeline of novel therapeutics. These efforts will reinforce Celltrion's capabilities as it grows into a major global pharmaceutical company.' Celltrion has participated in Bio USA for 16 consecutive years since 2010, continuously seeking global partnerships.
![[Bio USA] Samsung Biologics expands strategic focus to top 40 global pharma](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F06%2F19%2Fnews-p.v1.20250619.f34cb4b31f824ab69474a7e12b02477a_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
19-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Bio USA] Samsung Biologics expands strategic focus to top 40 global pharma
BOSTON — Samsung Biologics announced plans Wednesday to further broaden its customer base, aiming to serve the world's top 40 pharmaceutical companies up from the current top 20. "Today, we serve more than 130 clients, including 17 of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical companies, with a batch success rate exceeding 99 percent and 359 regulatory approvals from global health authorities," said Kevin Sharp, executive vice president and head of sales and operations at Samsung Biologics, during a press conference held on the sidelines of Bio USA. Samsung Biologics has been establishing local offices in strategic regions and maintaining seamless collaboration with its global headquarters in Songdo. 'We already operate sales offices in New Jersey and Boston through our US subsidiary, and opened a new office in Tokyo earlier this year to better contact the top 40 pharma companies." Samsung Biologics has also built core competencies in advanced and emerging modalities — including messenger mRNA, antibody drug conjugates and competetive genetic therapies. Looking ahead, the company plans to begin manufacturing ADC drug products and pre-filled syringes by 2027. Further expanding its value chain integration, Samsung Biologics is now moving upstream into contract research services. This includes the launch of its first organoid-based drug screening platform, Samsung Organoids, a move that marks its formal entry into contract research. At a related press briefing on Tuesday, Lee Sang-myung, vice president and head of Business Strategy at Samsung Biologics, emphasized the promise of organoid technology in revolutionizing drug development. 'Organoids are rapidly transforming the drug development landscape,' he said. 'With up to 85 percent physiological similarity to human patients, they provide a more accurate, scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional animal testing.' According to market intelligence firm Research and Markets and others, the global patient-derived organoid market is valued at $1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $3.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 22 percent. Such rapid growth is being driven in part by the FDA's push to reduce reliance on animal testing and to promote ethically sound alternatives. Samsung Biologics' organoid strategy is further bolstered by an exclusive partnership with Samsung Medical Center, recently ranked No. 3 globally in cancer care by Newsweek in 2025. The collaboration merges SMC's vast clinical dataset drawn from over 4.5 million patients, with Samsung Biologics' capabilities in manufacturing and data analytics, enabling the generation of highly precise drug efficacy data. 'The launch of Samsung Organoids marks a strategic inflection point for us,' Lee noted. 'Having evolved from a pure CMO in 2011 to a CDO in 2018, we are now transitioning into a fully integrated CRDMO — adding research and discovery to our core manufacturing strengths.'
![[Bio USA] Samsung Biologics doubles down on CDMO leadership after biosimilar spinoff](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F06%2F18%2Fnews-p.v1.20250618.21e8febe0361403eb6fc8a1d8bf30695_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
18-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Bio USA] Samsung Biologics doubles down on CDMO leadership after biosimilar spinoff
CEO John Rim says Bioepis separation unlocks transparency, enhances investor clarity, sharpens strategic focus BOSTON — Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim unveiled an ambitious road map to strengthen the company's position as a global leader in CDMO during a press conference held on the sidelines of this year's Bio USA on Tuesday, emphasizing sharpened focus, expanded capabilities and accelerated global expansion. At the center of the announcement was Samsung Biologics' recent corporate split, which fully separates its CDMO operations from Samsung Bioepis, its former biosimilar arm. Rim described the move as a milestone that allows Samsung Biologics to operate as a 'pure-play CDMO.' 'By becoming a stand-alone CDMO, we can focus entirely on our core mission—delivering best-in-class biomanufacturing and development services while enhancing transparency and trust with our global partners,' said Rim. 'This also enables investors to evaluate each business based on its own strategic value and growth potential.' The strategic restructuring is expected to unlock hidden value within Samsung's portfolio and further elevate shareholder value by making the distinct business models more visible and investable. Highlighting strong sector fundamentals, Rim pointed to rising global demand for biologics manufacturing, driven by expanding indications for blockbuster drugs and the development of new modalities, such as ADCs, AOCs and gene therapies. "Following the corporate split, our overseas clients responded positively, as it eliminated any perceived conflicts of interest," Rim emphasized. "Samsung Biologics will continue to fuel its growth by advancing its three core pillars: Geographic expansion, increased capacity and diversification of modalities." According to market research firm Frost & Sullivan, the global biologics CDMO market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15 percent from $21.8 billion in 2024 to $43.9 billion in 2029. Despite some pharma companies announcing in-house capacity expansions, CMO outsourcing demand continues to rise as pharma remains cautious with internal investments. "Just three years ago, there were industry-wide concerns about potential oversupply in the CDMO market. However, we've since witnessed consistent double-digit growth, and with continued category expansion — particularly in the antibody segment — the outlook for CDMOs appears stronger than ever," Rim explained. Samsung Biologics is doubling down on its global client outreach. The company currently serves 17 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies and has intensified efforts to expand its reach among the top 40. In addition to sales offices in New Jersey and Boston, it opened a Tokyo office earlier this year to improve engagement with Asia-based clients. 'Our global clients trust Samsung for both scale and speed. As we expand geographically and technologically, we are committed to offering localized support with global excellence,' Rim emphasized. As of June 2025, Samsung Biologics has secured five new contracts this year totaling 3.35 trillion won ($2.58 billion), surpassing 60 percent of last year's full-year bookings of 5.4 trillion won. The company's cumulative order value since inception now stands at $18.7 billion. 'Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, our pipeline remains strong, and we maintain our full-year revenue guidance of 20–25 percent growth,' said Rim. 'We expect to see continued momentum as we deepen global partnerships and reinforce our role as a full-service biopharma enabler.' Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics is investing heavily in modality diversification to meet evolving customer needs. It recently launched a dedicated facility for ADCs, supporting full development and GMP production, with capabilities ranging from 2 milliliters to 500 liters. The company plans to introduce a dedicated ADC DP line by Q1 2027, completing an end-to-end solution within its Songdo site in Incheon. 'The more competitors there are, the more positive impact it has on patients, so we fully welcome competition. Of course, when it comes to winning contracts, we believe we possess the best internal competitiveness. We are confident that not only our infrastructure but also the strength of our workforce are our greatest assets.'
![[Bio USA] GI Innovation unveils next-gen immunotherapy pipeline](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F06%2F18%2Fnews-p.v1.20250618.d08a9f94aea74f3da95329681a945806_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
18-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Bio USA] GI Innovation unveils next-gen immunotherapy pipeline
BOSTON -- Korean biotech company GI Innovation showcased its next-generation growth strategy at Bio USA 2025 in Boston on Tuesday. Leading the presentation was Yun Nari, head of GI Innovation's clinical strategy, who introduced the company's new drug development pipeline and global business roadmap. A licensed pharmacist, Yun joined the company's board of directors in March and is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating clinical decision-making, an essential function in GI Innovation's core business of clinical-stage drug development. A key highlight was the unveiling of GI-128, a novel immuno-oncology candidate that leverages macrophage engagement, an emerging target in next-generation cancer therapies. The company also spotlighted its trispecific antibody pipeline, designed to surpass the current generation of aPD-(L)1/VEGF bispecific antibodies, which are gaining significant traction in the global oncology space. 'This year's Bio USA is a premier platform that brings together leading global investors and pharmaceutical companies,' said Jang Myoung-ho, CEO and founder of GI Innovation. 'It presented the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the competitiveness of our pipeline and global expansion strategy. We plan to actively explore a variety of partnership opportunities, including technology licensing, co-development deals and strategic investments.' Meanwhile, the growing interest in aPD-(L)1/VEGF bispecific antibodies in the immuno-oncology sector has led to a surge in high-value deals. Bristol Myers Squibb recently entered into a licensing agreement with German biotech firm BioNTech, paying an upfront sum of approximately $1.5 billion, with the total deal valued at around $11.1 billion. Likewise, Merck & Co. signed a deal last year with China-based LaNova Medicines, worth $588 million upfront and up to $2.7 billion in milestone payments. Building on this trend, GI Innovation's trispecific antibody platform integrates the company's proprietary aPD-L1 antibody, a VEGF antibody and a macrophage engager into a single molecule. The design aims to overcome the therapeutic limitations of bispecific antibodies by stimulating a more robust immune response within the tumor microenvironment, the company explained.
