Samsung Biologics Internalizes MCB, Vector Services to Boost End-to-End CDO

(Source=Samsung Biologics)

[Song Young Doo, Edaily Reporter] Samsung Biologics is moving to strengthen its contract development(CDO) competitiveness by internalizing key service capabilities.

The company announced on March 23 that it has internalized master cell bank(MCB) production and vector construction services within its CDO portfolio, and hosted a webinar to mark the launch. The webinar, held on March 19, was titled “Accelerating Vector Construction-to-IND: Achieving a 9-Month Timeline Through Integrated Cell Line Development.”

Samsung Biologics emphasized that by bringing MCB production and vector construction in-house—previously offered through external partners—it has expanded customer options. The company also presented a development timeline that enables completion of the entire process, from vector construction to Investigational New Drug(IND) submission, within nine months, highlighting its capability to deliver optimized end-to-end services.

MCB production and vector construction are essential processes in antibody drug manufacturing. Antibody therapeutics are produced using animal cells, and vectors serve as critical gene delivery vehicles that transfer the genetic information required for antibody production into cells. They also contain regulatory elements that optimize protein expression, making precise vector design essential for high-quality biologics production.

The MCB production service involves selecting master cells with optimal quality—into which optimized vectors have been introduced—and producing them at scale under Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP) compliance. This process is designed to maximize production efficiency while minimizing quality risks under stringent GMP standards.

Through this internalization, Samsung Biologics aims to minimize third-party transfer of clients’ drug candidates and related data, thereby reducing external exposure. The company expects this to shorten development timelines, ensure data consistency, and strengthen protection of clients’ intellectual property(IP).

With this move, Samsung Biologics has further expanded its ability to meet diverse client needs, adding to its existing nine CDO technology platforms. These include the developability assessment platform DEVELOPICK™, cell line platform S-CHOice®, bispecific antibody platform S-DUAL™, transient expression platform S-CHOsient™, analytical support platform S-Glyn™, high-concentration development platform S-Tensify™, afucosylation cell line platform S-AfuCHO™, charge variant control platform S-Opticharge™, and high-concentration formulation platform S-HiCon™.

Lee Sang-myeong, Executive Vice President and Head of CDO Development at Samsung Biologics, said, “Through the internalization of cell line development-related services, we expect to become a faster and more reliable partner in our clients’ drug development journeys,” adding, “We will continue to develop a broader range of technologies and services to deliver customized solutions for our clients.”