Lotte Biologics Signs Strategic Business Agreement with US-based Asimov Inc.

From Cell Line Development to GMP Manufacturing

James Park, CEO of Lotte Biologics (left), and Alec Nielsen, co-founder and CEO of Asimov (right), are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement for CDMO collaboration. Photo by Lotte Biologics

Lotte Biologics announced on the 13th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business cooperation with ASIMOV, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Through this agreement, Lotte Biologics plans to provide comprehensive services covering the entire process from cell line development to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) production by utilizing ASIMOV's next-generation cell line development platform technology. This is expected to further strengthen its CDMO capabilities and track record.

Previously, Lotte Biologics confirmed the feasibility of successful scale-up and mass production through the application test of ASIMOV's proprietary cell line development platform, the 'CHO Edge' system, at the Syracuse Bio Campus. This agreement is part of a collaboration to provide full-fledged 'end-to-end' services for clients based on these achievements.

ASIMOV's 'CHO Edge' system is a synthetic biology-based cell line development platform. It accelerates the production of antibody and protein therapeutics through genetic design and optimization of CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells. In particular, it supports rapid development of customized cell lines with high productivity and uniformity by applying process automation and AI-based analysis.

With the combination of the CHO Edge system and Lotte Biologics' GMP manufacturing capabilities, seamless linkage from cell line development to commercial production has become possible. This will be an important turning point for expanding Lotte Biologics' CDMO business as well as broadening ASIMOV's scope of work.

Additionally, this MOU signing is expected to maximize the advantages of Lotte Biologics' production base in the United States.

James Park, CEO of Lotte Biologics, said, "We hope this agreement will be an opportunity to maximize the strengths of both companies," adding, "We will continue to provide differentiated services to customers through the synergy of ASIMOV's technology and Lotte Biologics' production capabilities, while striving to contribute to the development of the bio industry and ultimately to improving patients' quality of life."

Alec Nielsen, co-founder and CEO of ASIMOV, stated, "We are pleased that the CHO Edge system can be directly linked with Lotte Biologics' solid manufacturing capabilities," and added, "This will enable customers to more smoothly transition from cell line engineering to mass production and significantly shorten development cycles."