[BIO USA 2024] Celltrion and Lotte Biologics' side-by-side booths effectively promote K-biotech

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- By Kim Chan-hyuk/Korea Biomedical Review correspondent -- Celltrion and Lotte Biologics are participating in the BIO International Convention 2024 in San Diego, Calif., to showcase their technologies on the global stage of the biotech industry.

Celltrion and Lotte Biologics have set up booths side by side. highlighting the synergies that can be created through collaboration and competition.

Celltrion is participating in BIO USA 2024 for the 15th consecutive year and has a stand-alone booth to promote its technology competitiveness and brand. 

In particular, Celltrion strengthened its portfolio competitiveness by launching the world's only subcutaneous Remicade biosimilar, Zymfentra (infliximab), as a new drug in the U.S., and obtaining marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Xolair biosimilar, Omlyclo (omalizumab).

At the U.S. event, Celltrion plans to explore potential partners in various fields, including biosimilars, ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates), antibody drugs, and open innovation, to become a global top-tier biotech company.

“As Zympentra was approved as a new drug in the U.S. and successfully signed a contract with a major PBM, proving our technological capabilities, we are considering ways -- such as joint development, open innovation, and M&A, as well as strengthening R&D -- to expand our business in various fields,” said a Celltrion official. “At BIO USA, the largest event in the global biotech industry, we plan to communicate with various companies to seek partnerships that can add synergy to our drug development capabilities and technological competitiveness.”

Lotte Biologics is participating in BIO USA for the third consecutive year since 2022, with an exclusive booth and private meeting room, and is actively pursuing orders. 

At the event, the company will present the blueprints of its ADC production facility at the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York and Plant 1 at the Songdo Bio Campus in Korea, emphasizing its ability to quickly respond to the diverse needs of potential customers through large-scale production of antibody drugs and ADCs.

Based on the Syracuse Bio Campus in the U.S. and Songdo Bio Campus in Korea, Lotte Biologics will present its strategy to secure CDMO (contract development and manufacturing) bases in the U.S. and Asia and aims to grow into a global top 10 CDMO.

“Now that we are nearing the completion of the ADC facility at the Syracuse Bio Campus in the U.S. and Plant 1 at the Songdo Bio Campus, we will present more specific business strategies and actively build partnerships starting with BIO USA,” said Kim Kyoung-eun, Chief Business Development Officer at Lotte Biologics, “The technology and location synergy of our Korean and U.S. production facilities, which are our strengths, will be a key pillar in growing into a global top 10 CDMO.”

Lotte Biologics plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its Songdo Bio Plant 1 in Incheon on June 27.  Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin is reportedly to attend the ceremony.