In a highly anticipated conversation with BioPharma BoardRoom, Eric Hsu, Director of Key Account Management at Samsung Biologics, shares groundbreaking insights into the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. With the spotlight on Samsung Biologics' latest expansion, Plant 5, and the ambitious Bio Campus II project, this exclusive interview explores how these cutting-edge advancements are set to revolutionize the industry.

Could you provide more details on the specific features and capabilities of Plant 5, such as its seamless process integration, advanced automation, and sustainability systems? How do these features contribute to the overall goal of delivering long-term success for your clients and bridging the gap between the demand and supply of life-saving biomedicines?

In line with the industry demand for fast and efficient production as well as more sustainable systems, the 180,000-liter Plant 5 will combine new advanced technologies along with Samsung Biologics’ expertise accumulated through the operation of its current four plants. 

Plant 5 will also advance digitalization across operations through an electronic master batch record to optimize manufacturing efficiency, digitized process control strategy to reduce manual intervention and improve data accuracy, and an automated inventory handling control technology, which will improve traceability and transparency. 

In addition to our environmental management strategy, which includes transitioning to renewable energy and minimizing the use of disposables, Plant 5 will also utilize a reusable water treatment system and solar panels as well as be designed with low-carbon green concrete and geothermal power.

All of these new technologies – coupled with our proven track record – will enable us to provide high-quality products and services at an even faster pace. 

With the completion of Plant 5, Samsung Biologics will maintain the world's largest biomanufacturing capacity. How do you plan to leverage this expanded capacity to support your clients across the entire product lifecycle, and what advantages does this offer in terms of meeting their goals and maximizing output and efficiency?

Global biopharmas these days need a CDMO capable of meeting their varying needs as well as challenging project timelines. Bio Campus II’s expanded capacity and success-proven plant design will add enhanced flexibility to our end-to-end service and allow us to deliver a manufacturing experience that is seamless, agile, and optimized.

The second Bio Campus, including Plant 5, is designed to incorporate next-generation technologies and fully digitalized systems for seamless client communication. How do you envision these technological advancements enhancing the services and offerings of Samsung Biologics, and how will they contribute to the overall value proposition for your clients?

As an integrated CDMO, we continue to embrace new digital capabilities to enhance productivity, cost-efficiency, and data transparency throughout our operations. Whether large or small for capacity needs, at the early phase of clinical trial or in preparation for BLA filing or product delivery, our clients value our commitment to seamless communication as well as full technical support.

The expansion of Samsung Biologics' Bio Campus is accompanied by a commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier. Can you elaborate on the sustainable systems and practices that will be incorporated into Plant 5 and the second Bio Campus to support this goal? How do you envision these efforts shaping the future of biomanufacturing and the industry as a whole?

Plant 5 will be designed to reduce a client product’s carbon footprint by utilizing key features that we’ve implemented into the facility structure, such as reusable energy through municipal hot water, solar panels, a reusable water treatment system, and a sustainable operation design with low-carbon green concrete and geothermal power. 

Samsung Biologics plans to use nearly 20% renewable energy across all operations to reduce the carbon footprint of Plant 5 by 15%, compared to existing plants, and will make significant green improvements to help us achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier.

Plant 5 is the first phase of the second Bio Campus, with plans for additional plants and an Open Innovation Center for biotech incubation. What is the timeline for the completion of the entire Bio Campus II, and how will the integration of these facilities further strengthen Samsung Biologics' position as a leading player in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry?

Bio Campus II, which would consist of Plants 5 to 8, is projected to be fully completed by 2032. 

With the significant capacity expansion and integrated services offered by the second Bio Campus, how do you anticipate the overall biopharmaceutical landscape to evolve, and what impact do you believe this expansion will have on meeting the growing global demand for biomedicines?

The biologics market will continue to grow, and we are seeing approvals in therapy areas that historically presented many challenges. Our clients are also leveraging new modalities to tackle unmet therapeutic challenges. Bio Campus II will be designed to support large-scale manufacturing but also allow for flexibility to support changes in the drug development landscape.