Samsung Biologics announced on Tuesday that it successfully produced the first batch of Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 antibody treatment. This came five months after the two companies entered into a long-term manufacturing deal in May as the pressing need for COVID-19 treatments grows.
The collaboration between the two companies would fast track the supply and accessibility of COVID-19 antibody therapies. Samsung manufactured the required Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory expectations within five months of contract signing.
Dr. Kim Tae-han, Samsung Biologics CEO, said the company feels satisfied in swiftly delivering Eli Lilly’s product against the pandemic. Patients suffering from the disease now gained hope through this treatment.
Samsung Biologics works with multinational biopharma companies in producing drug samples and commercial batches. The company aims to continue working as Lilly’s CDMO partner in providing COVID-19 treatments for patients globally.
The neutralizing antibody bamlanivimab, developed by Eli Lilly, obtained FDA emergency use authorization on November 9 for COVID-19. The treatment sold at a rate of 1.38 million won ($1,250) per shot and recognized as the first-ever COVID-19 antibody treatment globally.
Effective Manufacturing Supply
David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly’s chairman, and CEO stated that neutralizing antibodies proved to become essential tools in the fight against COVID-19. Additionally, the biopharmaceutical industry would act and collaborate quickly to increase the global manufacturing supply effectively.
The agreement with Samsung Biologics increases Lilly’s manufacturing capacity and expands its ability to provide antibody therapies to patients worldwide.
The deal granted a contract fee worth 165.8 billion ($150 million) to Samsung Biologics with an increase worth up to 245.4 billion won ($222 million). However, Samsung Biologics must satisfy some specifications in the contract to acquire the increase in the contract fee.
The contract period between Samsung Biologics and Eli Lilly would remain confidential until December 31, 2023.
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