December 04, 2024

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Samsung BioLogics has won a lawsuit against Switzerland-based Lonza to nullify its patents involving its cell line development technology in South Korea, according to sources Oct. 1.

The court noted Lonza’s patented technology is not new compared to the one that is being widely used and it is also easy for any technicians to invent it. The ruling was made on Aug. 29.

 

The Swiss company can appeal the court’s decision.

Back in July 2017, the contract drug manufacturing arm of Samsung Group filed a lawsuit in Korea to nullify Lonza’s patents. At the time, it argued that Lonza’s technology has long been commonly used in the industry, so it is taking legal measures to ensure that its patent does not act as an unfair hurdle that weighs down domestic biotech companies.

The patent is related to a DNA vector, which brings a specific DNA into a target cell and instigates its growth. This modified cell is multiplied and grown to form a large batch, or a cell line, that produces certain proteins or antibodies designed to treat certain medical conditions.

Industry sources say that under the ruling, Samsung Biologics can now expand its business portfolio. CDO is a business that develops cell lines and production processes for mass production of antibody-drug candidate substances, which is being developed at the laboratory level.

As of Sept, Samsung Biologics has signed 34 CDO contracts with clients including Eutilex and GI Innovation.

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)