Samsung Biologics, the world’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization, has reached an agreement to acquire Human Genome Sciences from GSK (NYSE:GSK), marking the South Korean firm’s first physical manufacturing footprint in the United States.
The deal, valued at $280 million, centers on a significant production complex in Rockville, Maryland, and signals a strategic shift for Samsung as it moves to localize its supply chain for North American pharmaceutical clients.
The acquisition provides Samsung Biologics with a turnkey operational presence in a key U.S. biotech corridor.
The Rockville site consists of two current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facilities with a combined drug substance capacity of 60,000 liters.
By securing this infrastructure, the company significantly reduces the lead time required to establish domestic U.S. production, which has become an increasing priority for global drugmakers seeking to mitigate geopolitical and logistical risks.
Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Biologics’ U.S. subsidiary will assume 100% ownership of the entity.
The company has committed to retaining the more than 500 employees currently stationed at the Maryland site, ensuring clinical and commercial continuity for existing programs.
Beyond the initial purchase, Samsung Biologics plans to deploy further capital to expand the facility’s capacity and integrate its proprietary manufacturing technologies, aiming to support a broader range of biologic products.
The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter in 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
For GSK, the divestment allows the British pharmaceutical giant to further streamline its manufacturing network, while for Samsung Biologics, the move represents a milestone in its "Global Proximity" strategy.