SK plasma receives 1st batch of Indonesian plasma for local CMO production

SK plasma has received its first shipment of blood plasma from Indonesia, marking the official start of its contract manufacturing organization (CMO) operations for blood products destined for the Indonesian market.

The move is a significant milestone for the company’s ongoing efforts to support Indonesia’s goal of self-sufficiency in essential blood-derived medicines. This marks the first time Indonesian-sourced plasma has been imported into Korea for manufacturing purposes.

The company said that the Indonesian plasma arrived at its manufacturing facility in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Thursday. The plasma will be used to produce key blood products such as albumin and immunoglobulin under a CMO agreement with the Indonesian government.

The initiative is part of a broader collaboration launched in 2023, in which SK plasma committed to supplying Indonesia with essential blood products through CMO production until the completion of a new local plasma fractionation facility.

The imported plasma will be gradually introduced into production lines during the first half of this year. Until the Indonesian plant is operational, SK plasma will continue to receive plasma collected through Indonesian blood banks and produce finished products at its Andong site for export back to Indonesia.

The company is also implementing a comprehensive technology transfer program for local talent. During the CMO production period at its Andong site, SK plasma will train Indonesian personnel in quality control, production processes, and other specialized areas, aiming to develop a workforce capable of independently operating the new facility currently under construction in Indonesia.

"This partnership demonstrates the high potential of the global CMO market for plasma-derived therapeutics, especially as producing these medicines requires advanced infrastructure and expertise," SK plasma CEO Kim Seung-joo said. “By combining CMO services with technology transfer, SK plasma aims to expand its global footprint in collaboration with countries seeking to establish local manufacturing capabilities.”

The Indonesia project is SK Plasma’s second international CMO initiative, following its successful entry into Singapore’s national tender market for plasma therapeutics in 2023.

In 2023, SK plasma formed a joint venture named SK Plasma Core with Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), to develop local plasma infrastructure. A new fractionation plant with an annual capacity of 600,000 liters is currently under construction in the Karawang International Industrial City near Jakarta. The facility is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026.