Samsung Biologics announced Thursday the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korean biotech firm LigaChem Biosciences to collaborate on antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) projects. 

The partnership aims to advance over three ADC initiatives this year, targeting the rapidly growing global ADC market.

The collaboration builds on their existing relationship, which began in February 2024 with a contract development organization (CDO) agreement to develop antibodies for ADC therapies. In June of that year, the companies further strengthened ties through a material transfer agreement (MTA) to facilitate ADC development.

Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim highlighted the partnership as a step toward enhancing Korea’s ADC technology and industry by combining Samsung’s contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) expertise with LigaChem’s ADC drug development capabilities.

Kim Yong-zu, CEO of LigaChem Biosciences, said the company expects to begin receiving royalties this year, enabling significant R&D investments. "Over the next five years, we aim to develop more than 15 clinical pipelines and establish ourselves as a global leader in the ADC sector. This partnership with Samsung Biologics will accelerate our progress by leveraging their extensive CDMO expertise," he said. 

Samsung Biologics plans to execute the joint projects at its newly completed ADC-dedicated manufacturing facility in Songdo International City, Incheon. The facility includes a four-story structure equipped with a 500-liter conjugation reactor and a single purification line.