Samsung Biologics has entered a strategic collaboration with Kurma Partners to develop and produce biologics for the latter's portfolio companies.

Kurma is a European venture capital company focusing on the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.

Samsung Biologics will offer Kurma's portfolio companies chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) development services in a multi-year deal.

This approach will aid the portfolio companies in simplifying the gene to investigational new drug process, de-risking CMC uncertainties and expediting the selection of lead candidates to clinical development, using Samsung Biologics’s plants, technology platforms and CMC-linked capabilities.

Samsung Biologics president and CEO John Rim stated: “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 of 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.”

The latest deal is part of Samsung Biologics’ strategy to support the drug development and manufacturing process of emerging biotech companies.

The agreement will also further bolster its presence in the European market.

Kurma partner Daniel Parera stated: “We are very excited to partner with Samsung Biologics, a world-leading CDMO [contract development and manufacturing organisation] with capabilities of the 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.”

In April 2022, Samsung Biologics concluded the acquisition of Biogen’s stake in the Samsung Bioepis joint venture for $2.3bn.