Samsung Biologics joined an equity investment in AimedBio, a Korean biotech company developing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. The investment was made through the Samsung Life Science Fund.

Based on multi-omics and AI-driven big data analysis of patient samples, AimedBio specializes in the discovery and development of medicines for severe neurological diseases, such as brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. AimedBio has developed a therapeutic pipeline, including a first-in-class ADC experimental drug targeting FGFR3 for brain and bladder cancers, which is expected to enter clinical trials in 2024.

In addition to the investment, Samsung Biologics signed a research collaboration agreement to co-develop ADC toolbox technologies and a contract development agreement to support the development of AimedBio’s monoclonal antibody therapy for atopic dermatitis and dementia.

Samsung Biologics plans to expand its business portfolio to include ADCs and is currently building its own separate ADC manufacturing facility with the goal to complete construction in 2024.

“We are pleased to support AimedBio for their pipeline of innovative candidates towards the clinic,” said John Rim, President, and CEO of Samsung Biologics. “As part of our continued efforts in fostering next-generation technologies, we hope this investment paves the way for future collaborations on the development and manufacturing of new drugs.”