How a South Korean manufacturing giant became the backbone of global pharmaceutical production
In short: Samsung Biologics has evolved from a 2011 startup into a manufacturing titan, partnering with 16 of the world's 20 largest biopharmaceutical firms. By standardizing complex production processes and scaling massive facilities, the company now handles everything from mRNA vaccines to advanced antibody-drug conjugates for the global healthcare market.
Headquartered in Songdo, South Korea, Samsung Biologics operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). Since its founding in 2011, the company has aggressively expanded its infrastructure, constructing five manufacturing plants to reach a total capacity of 785,000 liters. This scale allows it to serve as a critical partner for industry giants like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly, providing services ranging from early-stage development to large-scale commercial production.
The company’s operational strategy relies on proprietary technology platforms and standardized frameworks. In 2025, it launched ExellenS™, a system designed to harmonize equipment and functional specifications across its global sites, facilitating smoother technology transfers and regulatory approvals. This is complemented by a suite of specialized platforms, such as the S-CHOice cell line expression technology and the S-DUAL bispecific antibody platform, which help clients accelerate their drug development pipelines.
Beyond manufacturing, Samsung Biologics has pursued strategic growth through acquisitions and vertical integration. In 2022, it bought out Biogen’s stake in the biosimilar developer Samsung Bioepis for $2.3 billion. By 2026, it announced the acquisition of the Swiss-based PolyPeptide Group for approximately 1.46 billion Swiss francs, marking the largest merger in South Korea’s pharmaceutical history. These moves, alongside the establishment of a U.S. production site in Maryland, signal a shift toward a more integrated global footprint.
Despite its commercial success, the company faces internal challenges. As of March 2026, 95.52% of union members—representing 75% of the workforce—voted to strike. The labor dispute centers on allegations of unfair practices and concerns regarding the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. This tension highlights the complexities of scaling a massive, sustainability-focused manufacturing operation while maintaining internal labor stability.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Samsung Biologics
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