Pharma Pulse: US Manufacturing Expansion, Oncology Partnerships, and Workplace Health

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and let’s get into today’s headlines.

• First, Samsung Biologics has officially secured its first production foothold on US soil. The South Korean giant is acquiring a manufacturing facility in Rockville, MD, from GSK for $280 million. The deal includes two cGMP-compliant plants with a combined capacity of 60,000 liters. By retaining over 500 existing employees, the CDMO aims to bolster US supply chain resilience and provide flexible, domestic manufacturing options for its biologic partners by Q1 2026.
• In the oncology space, AstraZeneca is making a massive $2 billion move to conquer the KRAS pathway. The pharma major has signed an exclusive global licensing deal with Jacobio Pharma for JAB-23E73, a pan-KRAS inhibitor. Unlike earlier therapies that target specific mutations, this candidate is designed to inhibit multiple KRAS subtypes in both their "on" and "off" states. With $100 million upfront and nearly $2 billion in potential milestones, AstraZeneca is positioning itself to lead the next generation of treatments for pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers.
• Lastly, a new study published in BMJ Occupational & Environmental Medicine highlights a critical link between our jobs and long-term health. Researchers found that workers in high-risk occupations—including healthcare, education, and retail—are more likely to develop long COVID. The primary drivers? Close contact with the public, limited social distancing, and commuting via public transport.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

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