SK pharmteco: Global Contract Development Company Raises $260 Million

By Amit Chowdhry • Sep 30, 2024

SK pharmteco, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced a major expansion of its small molecule and peptide production capabilities with $260 million in funding to construct a new state-of-the-art facility in Sejong, South Korea. Scheduled to start operations in late 2026, this new facility will be the fifth plant the company opens in South Korea and will be a cornerstone of SK pharmteco’s global manufacturing network.

Spanning 135,800 square feet, it will feature eight production trains with an output of tens of metric tons annually. And this investment also includes state-of-the-art peptide R&D facilities, cGMP kilo labs, and cGMP pilot plant for peptide manufacturing. These resources can support early-stage clinical and commercial production with great flexibility.

SK pharmteco plans to hire 300+ new employees at the Sejong site to support this expansion. This funding highlights SK pharmteco’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for peptides and small molecules, essential components of many innovative therapies, demonstrating our reliability and dedication to the industry.

The life science industry has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and a rising demand for innovative treatments. But the global supply chain for these therapies faces challenges, including limited manufacturing capacity and complex regulatory requirements. SK pharmteco’s new facility addresses these challenges by providing a scalable and reliable solution for producing these critical therapies.

KEY QUOTES:

“This expansion is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serving the evolving needs of the life sciences industry. By investing in this new facility, we’re increasing our capacity in Asia in line with our global expansion strategy and solidifying our position as a trusted partner for companies developing groundbreaking treatments, demonstrating our adaptability and reliability in a rapidly changing industry.”

  • Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO of SK pharmteco

“Our new facility represents a significant investment in our future and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers. By expanding our capacity and capabilities, we can offer even faster turnaround times, increased flexibility, and a higher level of quality. This investment further solidifies SK pharmteco’s position as a trusted partner for companies developing innovative cell and gene therapies and small molecules, enabling us to accelerate the development and commercialization of life-changing treatments.”

  • Yongwoo Park, SK pharmteco’s President, Small Molecule, Asia