Samsung Biologics, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) headquartered in Songdo, Incheon, has taken a major step in its international expansion with the acquisition of GSK’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland.
The deal, completed in March 2026 for $353 million, marks the company’s first manufacturing operation in the United States, bringing with it over 500 local jobs and adding 60,000 liters of drug substance capacity to Samsung Biologics’ global operations. This acquisition raises the company’s total worldwide manufacturing capacity to an industry-leading 845,000 liters.
A Strategic Move into the U.S. Market
The acquisition of the Rockville site aligns with Samsung Biologics’ long-term growth strategy to diversify geographically and better serve clients in key regions. The United States, home to a vast and dynamic biopharmaceutical sector, represents a critical market for biologics development and manufacturing. Locating a facility in Maryland—a state renowned for its thriving life sciences ecosystem, proximity to world-class research universities, and federal research institutions—provides Samsung Biologics with an ideal launching pad for further expansion in North America.
“This represents a meaningful step in expanding our U.S. manufacturing footprint,” noted President and CEO John Rim, who emphasized the importance of the move.
“The addition of the Rockville site strengthens our ability to operate a geographically diversified manufacturing network, and we are thrilled to officially welcome more than 500 colleagues at the site to the Samsung Biologics family,” Rim added.
Facility Capabilities and Future Investments
The Rockville campus includes two cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturing plants, jointly offering 60,000 liters of drug substance capacity. These facilities are equipped to support both clinical and commercial-scale biologics production, providing flexibility across multiple manufacturing scales.
Samsung Biologics has announced plans for further investment in the Rockville site, including:
- Capacity Expansion: Evaluating and expanding existing capabilities to increase production output.
- Technology Upgrades: Implementing advanced manufacturing technologies for greater efficiency and quality.
- Long-Term Operations: Committing capital to ensure the site remains at the forefront of global biologics manufacturing.
These enhancements will not only enable the company to meet the growing demands of its clients but also reinforce the resilience and agility of the global supply chain for critical medicines.
Ensuring Continuity and Quality
Under the terms of the acquisition, Samsung Biologics will continue to supply products previously manufactured at the Rockville site for GSK, while also transitioning the facility to serve additional contract manufacturing needs for a broader range of clients. This approach ensures continuity for existing clients and offers new partners access to Samsung Biologics’ renowned quality standards and operational excellence.
“The Rockville team brings deep expertise and strong operational experience that will further strengthen the site as part of our global manufacturing network. As a CDMO, our mission is to help our partners bring important therapies to patients worldwide, and this site will play a pivotal role in that mission while ensuring continuity and upholding the high standards our clients expect,” Rim said, highlighting the value of the local team.
Impact on Maryland’s Life Sciences Sector
The opening of Samsung Biologics’ first U.S. manufacturing facility has been celebrated as a significant win for Maryland’s economy. Governor Wes Moore, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, noted that the acquisition not only retains over 500 highly skilled jobs but also cements Maryland’s role as a center of biopharmaceutical innovation.
“South Korea’s largest biotech company is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility here in Maryland. In the state of Maryland, we are delivering for our people and not playing second,” Governor Moore commented.
The facility’s presence is expected to foster further growth in the local life sciences sector, drive new partnerships, and inspire investments in research, workforce development, and infrastructure.
Expanding Capabilities: Focus on ADCs and End-to-End Solutions
In addition to traditional biologics manufacturing, Samsung Biologics is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a rapidly growing class of targeted cancer therapies. The company’s standalone ADC bioconjugation facility operates under the same stringent GMP systems as its large-scale biologics plants, ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and efficiency.
With the addition of the Rockville site, Samsung Biologics is well-positioned to offer end-to-end solutions in the U.S. market. The company’s comprehensive service portfolio enables clients to streamline the journey from drug discovery to commercial launch, reducing time-to-market and improving patient access to vital therapies.
Building for the Future
Samsung Biologics’ acquisition of the Rockville facility is more than just an expansion of physical capacity—it’s a strategic investment in the future of global healthcare. By establishing a robust manufacturing presence in the United States, the company is enhancing its ability to respond to client needs, mitigate supply chain risks, and contribute to a resilient, innovative biopharmaceutical ecosystem.
As the company evaluates opportunities for further expansion and technology upgrades at Rockville, it remains committed to its core mission: supporting partners in bringing important therapies to patients worldwide, upholding the highest standards, and advancing the frontiers of biologic medicine.
As a leading global CDMO, Samsung Biologics specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biologic drugs. With world-class facilities in Songdo, South Korea, and now Rockville, Maryland, the company offers innovative solutions across the biologics value chain, including antibodies, vaccines, and antibody-drug conjugates.
The completion of the Rockville acquisition marks a new era for Samsung Biologics, its partners, and the patients who depend on life-saving biologic medicines. With a strengthened U.S. presence and a commitment to ongoing investment, Samsung Biologics is poised to play an even greater role in advancing global health.
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Featured Image: Maryland’ governor Wed Moore Celebrates Opening of Samsung Biologics’ First U.S. Manufacturing Facility, Retaining 500 Jobs and Strengthening Maryland’s Life Sciences Ecosystem. The governor joined Samsung Biologics management and local officials for the ribbon-cutting of the company’s first United States manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland. The $353 million acquisition of the manufacturing campus retains over 500 local jobs, brings an additional 60,000 liters of drug substance capacity to the company’s operations, and establishes a foundation for future facility investment and expansion. Photo courtesy © 2026. Maryland.gov/Samsung Biologics. Used with permission.
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