Kyongbo Pharmaceutical Opens Korea's First End-to-End ADC CDMO Center
核心洞察
Kyongbo Pharmaceutical (搜索) has established Korea's first comprehensive ADC research center in Yongin, featuring a complete CDMO system from drug substances to finished products.
The 2,925 square meter facility will begin production in early 2026, with plans to support preclinical through Phase 3 clinical trials.
Combined with an 85.5 billion won ADC manufacturing plant under construction in Asan, the company aims to create a one-stop supply chain for domestic ADC developers.
Kyongbo Pharmaceutical (搜索), a subsidiary of Chong Kun Dang (搜索), has opened Korea's first comprehensive antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) research center, marking a significant milestone in the country's pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. The facility, located in Giheung-gu, Yongin, represents a strategic investment to establish domestic ADC production infrastructure and reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing.
Comprehensive CDMO Infrastructure
The ADC research center spans approximately 2,925 square meters and features Korea's first end-to-end ADC contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) system. The facility is equipped to handle the complete production cycle, from drug substance (DS) manufacturing for preclinical testing to finished drug product (DP) production. Production operations are scheduled to commence in early 2026.
The opening ceremony attracted more than 80 representatives from major ADC developers and biotech ventures, highlighting industry interest in domestic manufacturing capabilities. This facility addresses a critical gap in Korea's pharmaceutical infrastructure, as domestic companies have previously relied on production facilities in China, the United States, and Europe for clinical sample manufacturing.
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
The research center incorporates sophisticated manufacturing systems designed for both flexibility and safety. The DS pilot production facility features a flexible structure capable of accommodating both single-use and multi-use systems, allowing for adaptable manufacturing processes based on client requirements.
The DP production facility operates as a closed system throughout all processes, from vial filling to lyophilization, preventing external exposure and enhancing both quality and safety standards. This closed-system approach is particularly important for ADC manufacturing, given the potent nature of these therapeutic compounds.
Expansion Plans and Clinical Trial Support
Kyongbo Pharmaceutical (搜索)'s ADC capabilities will be significantly expanded with the completion of an ADC manufacturing plant currently under construction in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. The company has invested approximately 85.5 billion won in this facility, which is expected to become operational by the end of 2027.
Once completed, the combined facilities will enable production of samples for Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials, as well as commercial-scale ADC finished products. This comprehensive infrastructure will establish what the company describes as a one-stop supply chain for ADC pharmaceuticals, spanning from preclinical research through commercialization.
Strategic Impact on Korean Biotech Industry
Kim Tae-young, CEO of Kyongbo Pharmaceutical (搜索), emphasized the strategic importance of the facility: "The ADC research center is the only ADC CDMO facility in Korea that supplies everything from drug substances for preclinical use to finished goods. Together with the ADC production plant, we will build a one-stop supply chain to reduce the time and cost burdens for domestic ADC developers and bio-startups."
The company plans to systematize its ADC platform through process development, scale-up for mass production, and preclinical sample manufacturing at the research center. Additionally, Kyongbo Pharmaceutical (搜索) aims to establish systems that enable stable and efficient technology transfer to client companies, supporting the broader Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem.
This development represents a significant step toward reducing Korea's dependence on overseas ADC manufacturing capabilities and could accelerate the development timelines for domestic ADC programs by providing local access to specialized manufacturing infrastructure.