As per the multi-year agreement, Samsung Biologics will offer Kurma Partners' portfolio companies with customised services for chemistry, manufacturing, and control development
An image of Samsung Biologics’ plant. (Credit: Samsung Biologics)
Samsung Biologics and European venture capital firm Kurma Partners have forged a partnership to develop and manufacture biologics for the latter’s portfolio companies.
As per the multi-year agreement, Samsung Biologics will offer Kurma Partners’ portfolio companies with customised services for chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) development.
The parties aim to use the services to streamline the gene to investigational new drug (IND) process and reduce uncertainties in CMC.
The services will also expedite the selection of lead candidates through entry into first-in-human trials with smooth transitions along further clinical development.
Samsung Biologics, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), said that the portfolio firms will use its advanced facilities, technological platforms, and CMC-specific expertise.
Kurma Partners partner Daniel Parera said: “We are very excited to partner with Samsung Biologics, a world-leading CDMO with capabilities of highest industry standards.
“This will greatly benefit our portfolio of Kurma Biofunds and Kurma Growth Opportunities Fund in advancing large molecule biologics from discovery to the market.”
The partnership is anticipated to facilitate the biopharmaceutical sector’s sustainable expansion and enable Samsung Biologics to further establish itself in the US and European market.
The deal also aligns with the CDMO’s commitment to support developing biotechnology firms on their drug development and manufacturing journey.
Samsung Biologics president and CEO John Rim said: “As we look to further expand our business opportunities globally, we are pleased to collaborate with Kurma Partners to support the growth of pioneering biotech companies.
“With our in-depth knowledge on effective scale-up strategy and a diverse portfolio of proprietary platform technologies, we are looking forward to providing robust CMC solutions to reduce uncertainties, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately maximise manufacturing efficiency for our clients.”
In July this year, the biotech division of the Samsung Group signed two agreements worth a combined $897m to make products for American pharmaceutical major Pfizer.