Samsung Biologics said Monday it will buy its first U.S. drug production facility from GSK for $280 million, as Samsung Biologics buys U.S. drug plant to expand manufacturing capacity in Maryland, meet long-term U.S. demand and strengthen its presence in the world’s largest pharmaceutical market.
Samsung Biologics, a South Korean contract drug manufacturer, said its U.S. unit will acquire a 100% stake in Human Genome Sciences Inc., a drug production facility located in Rockville, Maryland. The company said the transaction is expected to close near the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions.
The acquisition marks Samsung Biologics’ first manufacturing site in the United States, a strategic move as global drugmakers increase local production to secure supply chains and respond to regulatory and trade pressures. The company said the purchase price could change before closing, depending on final adjustments.
“This acquisition allows us to respond to long-term U.S. market demand,” Samsung Biologics said in a statement, describing the deal as a milestone in its global expansion strategy following the move where Samsung Biologics buys U.S. drug plant. The company did not disclose how the acquisition would be financed.
Deal Marks Samsung Biologics’ First Manufacturing Footprint in the United States
The Rockville facility currently has a combined drug substance production capacity of about 60,000 liters, Samsung Biologics said. The site was previously operated by Human Genome Sciences Inc., a company acquired by GSK more than a decade ago as part of its biologics portfolio.
Samsung Biologics said the facility will operate under its U.S. subsidiary, Samsung Biologics America, following the transaction. The company added that the acquisition strengthens its ability to serve U.S.-based pharmaceutical clients with locally manufactured biologic drugs.
Industry analysts say local manufacturing has become increasingly important as pharmaceutical companies seek to reduce exposure to global supply disruptions and rising geopolitical risks. The United States remains the largest and most profitable market for biologic drugs, which are complex medicines derived from living cells.
Company Plans Capacity Expansion as U.S. Demand Grows
Samsung Biologics said it plans additional investments to expand the Maryland site’s production capacity and upgrade its manufacturing technology. The company did not provide a timeline or cost estimate for the planned upgrades following the move where Samsung Biologics buys U.S. drug plant.
“We plan to make additional investments to expand capacity and enhance technology at the site,” the company said in its statement. It added that the facility will support future growth in contract manufacturing services for biologics.
Samsung Biologics is one of the world’s largest contract development and manufacturing organizations for biologic drugs, supplying pharmaceutical companies with large-scale production services. The company has expanded rapidly in recent years, adding new plants in South Korea to meet global demand.
Acquisition Comes Amid Trade Pressure and Tariff Concerns
The move comes as drugmakers face uncertainty over potential U.S. trade policies. South Korea’s Celltrion has also announced plans to produce drugs in the United States, as the Trump administration has threatened to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports.
Under an existing agreement with the United States, tariffs on U.S. imports of South Korean pharmaceuticals will be capped at 15%, while generic drugs will remain tariff-free. Producing drugs locally could help companies avoid potential trade barriers and pricing pressures.
Samsung Biologics’ shares fell 0.4% on Monday, underperforming the broader market, which gained about 2%. The company did not comment on the stock move.
The acquisition underscores a broader shift among global drugmakers toward expanding manufacturing capacity closer to key markets, particularly the United States, as demand for biologic medicines continues to grow and Samsung Biologics buys U.S. drug plant to capitalize on that trend.
