SEOUL, South Korea & WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Biologics and Biogen Idec announced today that the companies have established their joint venture, Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd., to develop, manufacture and market biosimilars in keeping with their agreement announced in December.
Christopher Hansung Ko, previously Senior Vice President of Samsung Strategic Business Development, has been named the CEO of Samsung Bioepis. The joint venture’s Board of Directors will consist of five directors and one auditor.
The strategic collaboration between Samsung Biologics and Biogen Idec will enable Samsung Bioepis to build the capabilities needed to develop high-quality biosimilars.
Construction of Samsung Bioepis’ research and development center, located at Samsung Biologics’ site in Song-do Incheon, Korea, has started and will be completed by the end of the year.
About Samsung
Samsung is composed of companies in a wide range of business from consumer electronics to finance and insurance. Samsung was founded in 1938, and its revenue in 2010 was 255 trillion won ($220 billion). In May 2010, Samsung announced the biopharmaceutical sector as one of five new strategic businesses that would lead the group's future growth, committing to invest 2.1 trillion won ($2 billion) in biopharmaceuticals by 2020. For more information about the company, please visit www.samsung.com.
About Biogen Idec
Through cutting-edge science and medicine, Biogen Idec discovers, develops and delivers to patients worldwide innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is the world's oldest independent biotechnology company. Patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis therapies, and the company generates more than $5 billion in annual revenues. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.
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