South Korean Biotech Command Global Spotlight at BIO 2025 with Dynamic Pavilion & Strategic Alliances

South Korean biotechnology companies marked a significant presence at the BIO International Convention 2025, held in Boston. Recognized as the largest global gathering for the biotechnology sector, the event attracted more than 20,000 participants and hosted over 9,000 companies from upwards of 90 countries. South Korea’s delegation stood out, with more than 100 officially registered companies and an estimated total of around 400 Korean firms, including those attending for business development and networking purposes.

Korea Bio, in partnership with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), organized the country’s largest-ever national pavilion at the convention, covering 1,800 square meters. The Korea Pavilion accommodated 51 companies and institutions, where representatives actively met with visitors, conducted investor relations meetings, and introduced their latest biotech advancements during the convention’s opening days.

Celltrion Showcases Expanded Biologics Pipeline and Receives FDA Clearance for Precision ADC CT-P70

Celltrion, a consistent participant in the BIO International Convention since 2010, marked its 16th consecutive appearance at BIO 2025 with a 140-square-meter exhibition booth. The South Korean biopharmaceutical company used the space to facilitate both open and closed-door meetings, providing a venue for strategic discussions with current and potential global partners.

During the convention, Celltrion emphasized its expanded pipeline beyond biosimilars, aiming to strengthen global collaborations around advanced biologics, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and innovative monoclonal antibody therapies. The company showcased its ongoing R&D capabilities, underlining its ambition to transition from a biosimilar leader to a developer of next-generation therapeutics with higher clinical and commercial value.

Earlier this year, Celltrion gained U.S. FDA approval to begin Phase 1 trials for CT-P70, its investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Leveraging its proprietary antibody platform and an optimized linker-payload system, CT-P70 delivers cytotoxic agents directly to tumor cells, aiming to enhance therapeutic precision and reduce systemic side effects.

Image source: GeneOnline

Samsung Biologics Expands Into Contract Research With Organoid-Based Drug Screening Platform

At the convention, Samsung Biologics expanded its presence beyond manufacturing by entering the contract research organization (CRO) sector. On the first day of the event, the company introduced a new drug screening platform called Samsung Organoids, which uses organoids derived from cancer patients to evaluate potential anti-cancer treatments. This platform is designed to support preclinical research by offering an alternative to traditional cell and animal testing models, with the goal of improving the relevance of early-stage drug screening.

In addition to its CRO announcement, Samsung Biologics participated in the convention with a 167-square-meter booth, continuing its 13th year of attendance at the event. The company highlighted its existing capabilities in biologics manufacturing, with a reported capacity of 784,000 liters per year, and shared updates on its development of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) services. 

“This year, we’ve designed an interactive booth featuring curved LED screens and touchscreen displays that allow visitors to explore our range of services while highlighting our strengths in digitalization,” said James Choi, executive vice president at Samsung Biologics. “Through three touchscreen stations, we effectively present the core strengths and expertise of our research, development and manufacturing services.”

South Korea Faces Growing Regional Competition from India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan’s Life Sciences Expansion

Lee Seung-kyu, vice chairman of Korea Bio, highlighted the growing competition from regional players such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia, with particular emphasis on Japan’s expanding role in the global biotechnology industry. Japan’s transformation was exemplified by companies like Fujifilm, which transitioned from its origins in chemicals to becoming a fully integrated life sciences firm. Lee noted that Fujifilm had significantly strengthened its global presence, including by establishing new manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Lee also emphasized the urgency for South Korea to secure a more prominent position in the global biotech landscape within the next three to five years, especially as neighboring countries ramped up investments in the sector. Expectations were high as Korea approached 10 trillion won (approximately $7.7 billion) in annual biotechnology exports for the first time in four years, with more than 7 trillion won already achieved this year. Against this backdrop, emerging Korean biopharmaceutical companies actively pursued global partnerships and business development opportunities during the convention.

“This year’s event particularly reflects heightened global market volatility post US presidential election,” Lee said. “It’s not just industry players, but government agencies, regulators and moderators from the regulatory sphere participating as well. The atmosphere underscores how biotech is no longer just a promising sector, but it’s becoming a ‘strategic asset’ for national interests.”

Author

Denisse Sandoval