Samsung Biologics has learned from CMOs/CDMOs that they need to prepare factories in order for companies to manufacture and distribute mRNA treatments and therapies.
Messenger RNA is a component of cells that create proteins. It uses the information found in genes to generate a blueprint to allow the cells to construct a new protein. Cells break down mRNA after they have completed making proteins and discard it. It will never be inserted into the nucleus or altered in any way.
The technology was developed to combat the virus COVID-19. The mRNA vaccine introduces a piece of mRNA with a blueprint to create a viral protein, typically found on the virus’ outer membrane. It does not infect people with the virus. The mRNA blueprint is used by cells to create viral proteins. The foreign protein is then recognized by the immune system.
Once the body recognises and destroys the protein, the antibodies begin to spread. After that, the body creates a barrier with antibodies to stop the COVID-19 cells attacking. The body can remove the virus from the body even if it is caught by the host.
Moderna and Pfizer are working on vaccines to prevent COVID-19 by using mRNA technology. The CMOs CDMOs like Samsung BiologicsThese companies have provided them with the equipment and training to help produce and distribute their products.
Moderna and Partnership
In May 2021, Samsung Biologics agreed to provide aseptic fill-finish as well as labeling and packaging of Moderna’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
To produce mRNA vaccines, biopharmaceutical companies, CMOs or CDMOs must start with in vitro transcription. It takes linearized human DNA and synthesizes the mRNA using a reactor. To prepare for formulation, the mRNA must be purified by ultrafiltration and chromatography. To prevent degradation, and allow in-vivo delivery of the mRNA after it has been purified, it is then placed into Lipid Nanoparticles.
While these vaccines may be new in the market, previous studies have shown their effectiveness against the Zika virus, flu, rabies, and the cytomegalovirus. In the future, vaccines based on mRNA may offer protection against more than one virus or disease. Research on cancer also taught mRNA to stimulate the immune system’s ability to fight and target certain types of cancer cells.
James Choi (Senior VP, Chief Marketing and Information Officer) and Head Investor Relations is on this topic. said in an interview, “We see great potential for mRNA technology to address a broader range of diseases, beyond COVID-19.”
Expanding Samsung Biologics’ Portfolio
Samsung Biologics spotted the COVID-19 trends in 2021 and was ready to support researchers and companies to develop more vaccines.
Samsung Biologics was driven by success and profitability to continue doing more. Samsung Biologics is now a global leader in biotechnology. mRNA vaccine DS production capabilityThe facility will also be expanded in Songdo (South Korea). It will become operational in 2022’s first half. The firm saw that vaccine developers chose to use mRNA as a COVID-19 vaccine.
With the new Songdo facility, the CDMO will be able to provide pharmaceutical companies with end-to-end services for mRNA vaccination manufacturing. This includes bulk drug substance and aseptic fill/finish. Labeling, packaging, cold chain storage are all included.