Samsung Life Science Fund, created jointly between Samsung Biologics, Samsung Bioepis, and Samsung C&T, and managed by Samsung Ventures, announced its investment in BrickBio, a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) drugs.

The latest investment marks the fifth investment made by the fund and reflects Samsung’s commitment to discover and explore new opportunities in biopharmaceuticals to address unmet therapeutic needs. However, the company did not unveil the exact size of the investment, citing contractual reasons.

Samsung affiliates will work with BrickBio to evaluate, manufacture, and develop advanced molecules and therapies using BrickBio’s proprietary protein engineering technology for ADCs, AAV gene therapy, and other modalities.

BrickBio’s technology uses an expanded genetic code to incorporate synthetic amino acids into proteins, all completed within a living cell. These synthetic amino acids enable the creation of precision biologics, an exciting new class of therapeutics with broad application and potential.

“We’re pleased to receive this support from Samsung, as well as the recognition of the potential for our advanced protein engineering technology to provide novel solutions for challenging medical conditions,” BrickBio CEO John Boyce said. “We look forward to using these proceeds to further our efforts in advancing our ADC candidates toward the clinic.”

Samsung Bioepis Executive Vice President and Head of Early Research and Development Cho Ho-sung also said, “BrickBio’s robust expanded genetic code in mammalian cells offers the potential to create molecules and therapies to address unmet needs.”

Meanwhile, the Samsung Life Sciences Fund is worth a total of 242 billion won ($180.8 million).

The fund has made four investments so far, starting with Jaguar Gene Therapy in March 2022, followed by Senda Biosciences in August, Araris Biotech AG in April 2023, and AimedBio in September.