Samsung Biologics and AstraZeneca expand partnership to include COVID-19 and cancer therapy
pharmafile | December 14, 2021 | News story | Medical Communications |
Contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), Samsung Biologics, and AstraZeneca, continue their strategic collaboration which was initiated in May 2021.
Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Biologics manufactures AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 long-acting antibody (LAAB) combination, AZD7442, and will start to manufacture a cancer immunotherapy product from next year.
AZD7442 is a combination of two LAABs being developed for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. It is the first LAAB to receive an EUA from the FDA for COVID-19 prevention, and is authorised in the US, France, Italy, and Bahrain. AZD7442 has the potential to provide additional protection for those at increased risk of adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. These include those who are immunocompromised, on dialysis, oncology patients, those taking medications after an organ transplant, or those who are taking immunosuppressive drugs for conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pam Cheng, Executive Vice President, Global Operations and IT, AstraZeneca said, “Over the past year Samsung Biologics has been a highly capable and collaborative partner on our novel COVID-19 long-acting antibody combination. We are excited about expanding our work together into cancer immunotherapy and about laying the foundation for continued growth of our collaboration in the years ahead.”
John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, added: “We are delighted to continue expanding our strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca, a valuable partner we have witnessed first-hand to have a strong commitment to saving lives of patients. We will support our clients by bringing innovative solutions to an array of diseases, especially during this time when it is needed the most, and together find ways to expedite the delivery of crucial therapies to the market.”
Lina Adams
