New Collaboration Seeks to Accelerate Development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Samsung Biologics, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), and LegoChem Biosciences, a biotech company, announced a partnership focused on furthering the development and manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), specifically targeting the treatment of solid tumors. Per the agreement, Samsung Biologics will provide antibody development and drug substance manufacturing services for LegoChem Biosciences’ ADC program. Focusing on the treatment of solid tumors, the overall goal is to submit an Investigational New Drug application to the FDA by the first half of 2025.¹

“Collaboration between Samsung Biologics and LegoChem Biosciences will enable us to deliver on our common goal to develop and manufacture efficient and safe therapeutics for patients,” said John Rim, CEO, president, Samsung Biologics in a company press release. “We look forward to working with LegoChem Biosciences to support their pipeline of innovative ADC candidates and secure new opportunities in the fast-growing ADC field.”

Furthermore, LegoChem Biosciences is reportedly planning to expand its pipeline by establishing a dedicated ADC facility, expected to be operational within 2024. Samsung Biologics is expected to leverage its capabilities in antibody engineering, process development, and large-scale manufacturing, alongside its investments in ADC linker technologies, to support the development and manufacturing of these complex therapeutics.¹

“LegoChem Biosciences had previously supplied antibodies for ADC through only overseas companies, but we expect that we will be able to secure a stable domestic supply chain through this contract,” said Yong-Zu Kim, CEO, president, LegoChem Biosciences, in the same release.

Last month, Orion invested approximately $415 million in LegoChem Bio, obtaining a 25% stake in the company, and becoming its largest stakeholder in the process. As a result of this deal, Orion stated that it intended to “integrate LegoChem Bio into its corporate family, retaining the biotech firm’s current management and operational framework.”²

“As society ages, the demand for cancer drugs is rapidly increasing. ADC technology is emerging as a next-generation cancer drug with minimal resistance and side effects,” said Heo In-cheol, vice chairman, Orion, according to The Chosun. We are committed to investing significantly in developing new global drugs in this field.”

According to Samsung Biosciences, this collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing ADC treatments and expanding opportunities in the growing ADC market.¹

References

1. Samsung Biologics partners with LegoChem Biosciences for ADC development and manufacturing. PR Newswire. February 7, 2024. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/samsung-biologics-partners-with-legochem-biosciences-for-adc-development-and-manufacturing-302055657.html
2. Orion claims largest stake in LegoChem Bio with 550bn won. The Chosun. January 17, 2024. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://www.chosun.com/english/companies-en/2024/01/16/7SFE4HR3JBG2FHOFPILI36YG3Q/