SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- By Lee Han-soo/Korea Biomedical Review correspondent – Lotte Biologics, under the leadership of CEO Richard Lee, has once again made a notable appearance at the 42nd annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference (JPMHC) on Tuesday.

The JPMHC is ongoing in San Francisco from Monday to Thursday.

This premier event, a hotspot for global pharmaceutical leaders, bio ventures, and healthcare investment experts, served as a platform for Lotte Biologics to showcase its innovative strides in the biotech industry.

Lotte Biologics, attending for the second consecutive year, presented its ambitious plans for a new bio plant in Incheon Songdo. CEO Richard Lee emphasized the concept of "design" in bridging market demand with supply capabilities in the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector.

Lotte Biologics had signed a land purchase agreement with the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority to establish the Songdo plant. By 2030, the company aims to set up three bio plants in Songdo's 11th District, projecting a total antibody medicine production capacity of 360,000 liters.

"The first of these plants, a mammalian cell culture facility with a 120,000-liter capacity, is set to begin construction this year," Lee said. "Featuring the 'Titer Flex Quad Bioreactor System,' the facility combines both 15,000-liter and 3,000-liter stainless steel bioreactors to cater to varying pharmaceutical manufacturing needs."

In line with its eco-friendly policies, Lee stressed that the company plans to install solar panels and implement energy and water recycling systems.

"The proposed Songdo bio plant is tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients, showcasing the company's dedication to innovation and client-centric approaches," Lee said. "This comprehensive approach to design includes everything from facility layout to employee welfare, indicating that Lotte Biologics is not just building plants but creating ecosystems conducive to innovation and quality production."

Lee underscored the company's commitment to evolving as a global CDMO leader, focusing on timely and complete delivery of pharmaceuticals to patients.

Aiming for operational excellence, the company is also leveraging the expertise of good manufacturing practice (GMP) experts to optimize facility design and operational systems.

"This initiative focuses on creating a convenient and efficient work environment, integrating automated systems to enhance pharmaceutical production," Lee said. "Quality assurance is another top priority for Lotte Biologics, which seeks to attract clients with high-quality systems designed by skilled professionals."

The company is committed to establishing top-tier quality policies and systems at its Songdo Bio Plant and replicating these standards at its Syracuse site in the United States, he added.

Lee stressed that quality is not merely about compliance but is embedded in the company's culture, from the design stage of facilities and operations to the actual production processes. This approach, according to Lee, will ensure that the company not only meets but exceeds industry standards in biopharmaceutical production.

The key aspect of Lee's strategy for quality also ties closely with the integration of learning and experience from the company's Syracuse facility, which he considers critical to the success of the Songdo plant.

"The Syracuse factory, transitioning into a CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), has been instrumental in adopting advanced biopharmaceutical production practices," Lee said. "The insights gained from the Syracuse operation, including learning from BMS's production methods and equipment choices, are being utilized to ensure that the Songdo facility embodies efficiency, innovation, and sustainability."

During his speech, Lee also explained that Lotte Biologics places significant emphasis on Talent Management, actively seeking partnerships with educational institutions like Syracuse University and Korea Polytechnic University.

"The company's Open Innovation Internship program, which is open to anyone regardless of age or professional background, also reflects on our dedication to securing top talent and fostering industry growth," Lee said. "The program has seen huge interest with over 2,000 people applying for the internship."

The company has selected 20 people, and they are currently working at various units within the company, Lee added.

Aside from CDMO capabilities and acquiring talent, Lee highlighted Lotte Biologics' "Bio-Venture Initiative," which underlines the importance of both competition and collaboration in the biotech industry.

"The initiative supports bio venture companies through various programs, including incubation, acceleration, and additional support services, aiming to address challenges like aging populations and drug supply shortages," he said.

Lee also touched upon Lotte Biologics' plans to venture into various biotechnology modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

"While acknowledging the challenges and evolution of ADC production, the company's focus on becoming a major conjugation hub in the U.S.," he said. "In addition to ADCs, Lotte Biologics is closely monitoring market trends in CGT, viral vectors, mRNA, and other emerging technologies, with potential plans for M&A and joint ventures."

In addressing future CMO contracts, Lee mentioned ongoing negotiations and the company's efforts to diversify its portfolio beyond its current major client, BMS.

Emphasizing the importance of not being overly reliant on a single client, Lee revealed that the company is exploring new collaborations, acknowledging the lead time required for technology transfer and production initiation.