EMD Millipore and Samsung BioLogics recently signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to create a strategic alliance encompassing a long-term supply agreement in which EMD Millipore will provide raw materials to the Korean fast growing biopharmaceutical manufacturer that specializes in bulk cGMP production of monoclonal and recombinant drug products. According to Samsung’s deal announcement, EMD Millipore will be a primary supplier delivering raw materials to Samsung BioLogics’ existing 30 kl facility as well as the company’s new Songdo, Incheon, Korea 150 kl facility now under construction and expected to be completed in 2015.
Securing the long-term supply contract with EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, is a tactical move that not only reduces supply chain risk for the biopharmaceutical CMO, but also for the company’s clients. In April, Samsung BioLogics announced that it and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company planned to increase the scope of their existing manufacturing agreement signed last year in which Samsung will manufacture commercial drug substances and drug products for several Bristol-Myers Squibb biologic medicines at its Incheon manufacturing site. This expanded business arrangement was preceded by an Oct 2013 press release announcing that Samsung BioLogics and F. Hoffmann-La Roche had signed a long-term strategic agreement to manufacture Roche’s proprietary commercial biologic medicines at Samsung Biologic’s (soon to be) two facilities.
“Samsung BioLogics is delighted to develop a strategic alliance with EMD Millipore, which will not only provide us a stable supply of crucial raw materials but also bring mutual advantages for both companies’ long-term business strategies and competitiveness in the biopharmaceutical industry,” says Dr. TH Kim, President and CEO of Samsung BioLogics.
At a signing ceremony held at Samsung BioLogics’ headquarters in Korea, Dr. Udit Batra, EMD Millipore’s president and CEO, explained that “Our latest partnership in the biopharmaceutical sector will further strengthen the great relationship Merck KGaA and Samsung have built in other business areas for the past years. It will also help us support Samsung’s initiative in the CMO and biopharmaceutical field.”
According to Batra, EMD Millipore offers unparalleled expertise and technologies for all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes including media, raw materials, bioreactors, filtration and chromatography. “Our strong presence in emerging markets is backed by a global team of experts ready to support our customers worldwide. EMD Millipore has a deep commitment for delivering the highest quality products coupled with the most innovative approaches -- this forms the basis of our relationship with Samsung BioLogics.” Batra says that with the MOU in place, the company is looking forward to formalizing the alliance so that it can begin to deliver long-term value and operational efficiency for both parties.