The additional manufacturing suite at the CDMO's Songdo site is anticipated to be ready for cGMP operations within the first half of 2022

South Korean CDMO Samsung Biologics has announced plans to add mRNA vaccine drug substance production capability to its Songdo facility, with an operational date of early 2022.

The additional suite will enable the company to provide end-to-end mRNA vaccine manufacturing services from bulk drug substance to aseptic fill/finish including labelling and packaging, as well as cold chain storage.

mRNA technology has seen a rapid rise in demand recently because of its safety and fast scalability, making it popular among COVID-19 vaccine developers.

Samsung Biologics' CEO, John Rim, said adding the capability will help to support their customers by bringing their novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics path to market quicker.

"We are constantly assessing various ways that we can expand and diversify our current business portfolio," he said.

Meanwhile, over in the San Fransisco biocluster, the company has also opened a US R&D Center to bring its contract development services closer to biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Bay Area.

With its own proprietary cell line technology, S-CHOice, which shows enhanced cell viability and improved titers up to two-fold from the industry average, Samsung Biologics said it can facilitate reduced development timelines.

Both expansion events are happening against the backdrop of the ongoing construction of Plant 4 - the company's fourth and largest biomanufacturing facility in Incheon, South Korea.