Samsung Biologics is stepping into the United States Market. But not just by signing a partnership or opening a new branch. The company has acquired Human Genome Sciences from GSK. This acquisition has helped the company set up its first manufacturing site in the US.
According to the reports, this deal is worth USD 280 million. Due to the standard approvals pending, it’s expected to close towards the end of the first quarter of 2026. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Samsung Biologics America, the company will take over the Rockville, Maryland, site.
These sites are situated in the heart of one of the most established biotech clusters in the country. For Samsung Biologics, this is not just another expansion. It is a strategic move aiming at building a stronger and more balanced global supply network.
A Facility that is Ready to Run
The Rockville site brings immediate scale. It includes two cGMP manufacturing plants with a combined capacity of 60,000 liters of drug substance.
The facility supports both clinical and commercial manufacturing. It can handle programs ranging from small batches to large-scale manufacturing. This flexibility is critical for biologics, ensuring uninterrupted supply for current patients.
Samsung Biologics will also retain more than 500 employees who are currently working at the site. This one decision sends a strong message across the biotech industry.
The company also highlights the importance of experienced staff in biologics manufacturing. Because the manufacturing processes are complex and regulatory expectations are high.
By keeping the workforce in place, Samsung gains not only physical assets but also deep technical know-how. Going ahead, Samsung Biologics has planned to invest further in the site and increase its capacity.
They will be working towards upgrading their technology, too. Their goal is simple. They want to build a stronger and more resilient US supply chain for critical medicines.
Why does the US Matter More Than Ever?
Until now, Samsung Biologics has ruled the manufacturing industry in South Korea with its main operations based in Incheon. The company runs BioCampus I and II.
Across its five plants, the company operates the largest manufacturing unit. The company has also secured land for Bio Campus III. Their future campus will focus on new modalities and R&D-driven programs.
Now adding the US site will change the equation. Many biotech and pharma companies want manufacturing units closer to reduce the shipping costs. When manufactured in other countries, regulations can be complex and political, and trade risks are also part of it.
A US-based site reduces those risks. It also gives clients more options. Programs can be split across regions. Commercial supply can be backed up by more than one geography.
For Samsung Biologics, the Rockville facility brings balance. Manufacturing is no longer concentrated in one country. That matters to customers. It also matters to regulators.
A Site with History and Credibility
The Rockville facility has a long history. It was originally associated with Human Genome Sciences, which later became part of GSK’s manufacturing network.
Over the years, the site has supported the production of important biologic medicines. It has passed inspections and been delivered on a large scale. That history carries weight.
Samsung Biologics is not planning to erase that legacy. Instead, it plans to build on it. The company is known for its standardized manufacturing approach, called the ExellenS™ framework.
This system focuses on consistent plant design. It uses unified processes. It relies heavily on digital tools. The aim is to ensure speed, quality, and equivalency across sites.
Over time, that framework is expected to be applied in Rockville. Once integrated, the site will function as part of Samsung’s global manufacturing network.
Supporting Advanced Therapies
Samsung Biologics has moved beyond traditional biologics. The company now works on a wide range of modalities. They are currently focused on monoclonal antibody production, antibody-drug conjugates, and mRNA therapeutics.
They are also working on multispecific antibodies and fusion proteins. In the current market, demand for these products is growing rapidly, and manufacturing them is not easy.
That’s where the Rockville site comes into play. With better investment, it can support advanced and complex programs. That adds value for biotech companies moving toward late-stage development and commercialization.
Leadership Signals Confidence
John Rim, CEO and President of Samsung Biologics, called the acquisition a landmark moment. He pointed to the company’s long-term commitment to the U.S. biopharmaceutical industry.
He highlighted the importance of working closely with federal, state, and local stakeholders. It emphasized the goal of ensuring a stable and reliable supply of life-saving medicines for patients.
From GSK’s perspective, the decision reflects its commitment to improved biotech production. Regis Simard, President of Global Supply Chain at GSK, said the agreement secures US-based manufacturing for two critical medicines.
At the same time, it allows GSK to focus on future priorities. These include specialty medicines and vaccines. The deal also aligns with GSK’s plan to invest $30 billion in US R&D and manufacturing over the next five years.
A Clear Signal to the Market
This acquisition of Samsung Biologics is a step towards a new and strong US biotech ecosystem. Today, the clients want more reliability and geographic diversity. They want partners who can grow with them.
The human genome sciences acquisition gives Samsung Biologics all of that. It adds US manufacturing and strengthens its supply chain. And it also shows long-term commitment.
In today’s biotech industry, where supply certainty can be just as important as scientific innovation, these commitments may prove to be one of the most valuable assets.
