Samsung Biologics has announced a collaborative venture into the development of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies by signing a new contract development organization (CDO) agreement with LegoChem Biosciences, a Korean ADC developer.

Under the accord, Samsung Biologics will participate in the essential antibody development for ADC therapies, providing a comprehensive range of CDO services to LegoChem, from cell line development to the production of clinical materials.

“We will actively continue our investment activities to secure competitiveness in the ADC field, which is emerging as the next generation of biotechnology, and proactively respond to the market,” Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim said. “We will strengthen collaboration with promising domestic biotechs such as LegoChem to secure technological competitiveness.

LegoChem CEO Kim Yong-zu also said, " Previously, we had to source ADC antibodies through foreign companies, but this agreement allows us to expect a stable supply chain within the country.”

Founded in 2006, LegoChem Bio has distinguished itself in the ADC technology and synthetic drug development arenas, showcasing its innovative R&D capabilities. The company gained considerable attention last year after transferring its ADC candidate for solid tumors, LCB84, to Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, in a deal worth up to $1.7 billion.

To date, LegoChem has secured 13 technology transfer agreements with global pharmaceutical companies, amounting to a potential 8.7 trillion won ($6.5 billion) in value.

In January, Korea's confecionery giant Orion became the largest stakeholder in LegoChem.  

Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics is advancing the construction of a dedicated ADC manufacturing facility, aiming for completion within the year.

Additionally, through the Samsung Life Science Fund, the company has invested in promising bio enterprises possessing ADC technologies. Notably, investments include Swiss-based ADC linker and conjugation technology developer Araris Biotech last April, followed by a September investment in AimedBio, a Korean biotech firm.