- Samsung Biologics has entered a partnership with CEPI to support vaccine manufacturing preparedness for future epidemic and pandemic threats.
- The collaboration will focus on scalable recombinant protein vaccine manufacturing and equitable access for low- and middle-income countries.
Samsung Biologics has announced a partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to strengthen global vaccine manufacturing preparedness for future epidemic and pandemic threats. As part of the agreement, Samsung Biologics will join CEPI’s Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network, supporting the accelerated availability of protein-based vaccines during outbreaks.
The collaboration is supported by an initial budget of up to US$20 million and will focus on establishing a scalable and rapidly deployable manufacturing process for recombinant protein vaccines. CEPI and Samsung Biologics will leverage the company’s mammalian cell-based manufacturing infrastructure, along with its quality and regulatory systems, to pre-position a process that can be activated quickly in response to emerging viral threats.
Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics will also conduct a simulated outbreak response exercise using wild-type H5 influenza, a prototype pathogen recommended by the World Health Organization. The exercise is intended to demonstrate end-to-end capabilities, from antigen development to vaccine drug product manufacture, and to support preparation of a generic regulatory submission dossier.
By joining the Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network, Samsung Biologics has committed to providing CEPI with access to up to 50 million vaccine doses in a future pandemic scenario, along with up to one billion doses of drug substance for conversion into finished vaccines. The arrangement is designed to support equitable access in low- and middle-income countries while also meeting national needs in Korea.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting a reliable and agile vaccine supply ecosystem through continued innovation and strong collaboration.”
John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics
The company said the partnership aligns with CEPI’s 100 Days Mission and reinforces its role as a CDMO providing contract manufacturing capabilities for global vaccine preparedness.
