Samsung Biologics announced on Tuesday it has completed its initial batch delivery of COVID19 antibody treatments under development by U.S. pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.

The two signed a long-term manufacturing agreement in May to mass produce Lilly’s COVID-19 drug which has received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Safety in the U.S.

Samsung Biologics said it was difficult to secure raw materials due to the prolonged pandemic situation, but it was able to meet the initial supply target and deliver them to Lilly within five months of the CMO contract. Samsung Biologics said it also drastically reduced the technology transfer period, which is essential to produce the treatment, to about three months thanks through close communication between experts on technology, quality, and regulatory affairs from both sides.

Neutralizing antibodies become an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, and the biopharmaceutical industry is collaborating to increase the global manufacturing supply, said David A. Ricks, Lilly’s chairman and CEO, adding the agreement with Samsung Biologics supplements Lilly’s own internal manufacturing capacity and helps Lilly deliver its antibody therapies to patients around the world.

Kim Tae-han Kim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, said his company will continue to work with Lilly to bring COVID-19 treatments to patients worldwide in a stable and prompt manner.

By Pulse

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