CEPI and Samsung Biologics have formed a partnership to speed up global production of protein‑based vaccines and improve access in LMICs. With up to $20 million in initial funding, the collaboration will build a scalable mammalian cell–based manufacturing pathway and run a WHO‑guided simulation using wild‑type H5 influenza. Samsung guarantees CEPI access to up to 50 million finished doses and up to 1 billion doses of drug substance to support rapid pandemic response. The agreement advances CEPI’s 100 Days Mission and expands VMFN into East Asia.
CEPI and Samsung Biologics Join Forces to Accelerate Global Vaccine Preparedness
Samsung Biologics will conduct a simulated outbreak response using wild-type H5 influenza as a prototype pathogen
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Samsung Biologics have launched an outbreak‑ready vaccine manufacturing partnership designed to strengthen global capacity for rapid production of protein‑based vaccines against pandemic threats and future epidemics.
Samsung Biologics will join CEPI’s Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network (VMFN) to accelerate availability of recombinant‑protein vaccines and improve access during outbreaks, particularly in Low‑ and Middle‑Income Countries (LMICs).
Backed by an initial budget of up to $20 million, the collaboration will develop a scalable, rapid manufacturing workflow that leverages Samsung Biologics’ mammalian cell–based infrastructure and established quality and regulatory systems. The objective is a ready‑to‑activate manufacturing pathway that shortens the time from prototype sequence to distributed vaccine.
As part of the agreement, Samsung Biologics will run a WHO‑guided simulated outbreak response using wild‑type H5 influenza as a prototype pathogen. The exercise will validate the speed and robustness of end‑to‑end capabilities — from antigen design and process scale‑up to drug‑substance production and finished vaccine supply — and generate data to support regulatory submissions for faster deployment in real outbreaks.
Supply Commitments and Equitable Access
Under CEPI’s VMFN arrangement, Samsung Biologics commits to provide CEPI access to up to 50 million finished vaccine doses and up to 1 billion doses of drug substance available for conversion into finished vaccines during a pandemic. These allocations are intended to prioritize vulnerable populations in underserved LMICs while also addressing South Korea’s national requirements in accordance with CEPI’s Equitable Access Policy.
Dr Richard Hatchett, CEPI CEO: 'We are delighted to welcome Samsung Biologics to CEPI’s Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network. Their recombinant protein production scale and technical capabilities add vital strength to our outbreak‑response infrastructure. Partnering with a leading recombinant protein contract manufacturer will help us move more rapidly from prototype sequence to production and get vaccines to the underserved global communities that need them most.'
The partnership supports CEPI’s 100 Days Mission by establishing pre‑agreed manufacturing pathways for rapid scale‑up. As VMFN’s first East Asian member, Samsung Biologics expands the network’s geographic reach; VMFN already includes partners in India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Senegal and Korea. CEPI is also advancing complementary initiatives, such as the May 2024 BioNTech–CEPI expansion to strengthen the mRNA vaccine ecosystem in Africa.
Source and Disclaimer: This article is based on reporting originally published by Hospital Management (a GlobalData brand). The information is provided for general informational purposes and should not substitute professional or regulatory advice.
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