Samsung Biologics Collaborates with BrickBio for Advanced Antibody-Drug Conjugate Therapies

During his presentation at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, California, Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim discussed the company’s focus on research into antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as a cutting-edge approach to cancer treatment.

In a significant move, Samsung Life Science Fund, a collaboration between Samsung Biologics, Samsung Bioepis, and Samsung C&T, has invested in BrickBio, a biotech company based in Massachusetts with key technology in ADCs. This investment marks the fifth by the fund, although specific details of the investment have not been disclosed.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a rapidly growing segment of drug modality that offer targeted therapy for various types of cancer. These drugs use an antibody, linker, and payload to deliver chemotherapy agents directly to cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells, earning them nicknames like “biological missile” and “magic bullet.”

Under the terms of the investment, Samsung affiliates will collaborate with BrickBio to evaluate, manufacture, and develop advanced molecules and therapies using BrickBio’s proprietary protein engineering technology. BrickBio’s technology allows for the incorporation of synthetic amino acids into proteins using an expanded genetic code within a living cell, paving the way for innovative therapeutics with broad applications.

Samsung Biologics has a history of involvement in ADC development and is currently constructing an ADC facility in Songdo Incheon set for completion later this year. Additionally, the company previously made an equity investment in AimedBio, a Korean biotech firm specializing in ADC development.

The Samsung Life Science Fund was established in 2021 with contributions from Samsung C&T