Ahead of the opening of the 2026 BIO International Convention (BIO USA), Lotte Biologics announced that its Songdo Bio Campus in Incheon is ready to begin operations.
On June 22, Lotte Biologics said it had received occupancy approval for Plant 1 at the Songdo Bio Campus, approximately two years after construction began in July 2024.
With the approval, the company has completed all major construction activities, including site development, building and civil engineering works, as well as the installation of manufacturing equipment, piping, and electrical and control systems. Given the complexity of cell culture processes and stringent global manufacturing standards, biopharmaceutical production facilities require advanced engineering capabilities and rigorous quality management.
Lotte Biologics incorporated operational experience and manufacturing expertise from its Syracuse Bio Campus into the construction of Songdo Plant 1. The facility was designed with an automated Manufacturing Control System (MCS) from the outset to enhance production efficiency and quality competitiveness, while maximizing flexibility to meet future customer requirements.
Plant 1 features a total antibody drug production capacity of 120,000 liters, equipped with eight 15,000-liter stainless-steel bioreactors capable of supporting large-scale commercial manufacturing. The facility incorporates advanced bioprocessing technologies, including high-yield cell culture and perfusion processes, along with an automated warehouse and real-time monitoring systems to improve operational efficiency and manufacturing reliability.
Through its “dual-site” strategy linking the Songdo facility with the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, Lotte Biologics can now provide integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services spanning early-stage clinical production through large-scale commercial manufacturing. Under this model, the Syracuse campus will support early-stage projects and clinical supply, while Songdo Plant 1 will focus on commercial-scale production, enabling the company to accommodate both small-scale and large-volume manufacturing needs.
The company expects the dual-site network to provide customers with greater flexibility in regional supply strategies and supply chain risk diversification.
Lotte Biologics plans to begin commissioning and production system validation at Songdo Plant 1 in the second half of this year. The company aims to secure Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification as early as possible to meet demand from global clients. It also plans to continue enhancing production efficiency and quality competitiveness through data-driven process operations and advanced digital systems.
At BIO USA, Lotte Biologics will highlight Songdo Plant 1 as a key asset in its business development and customer acquisition efforts.
James Park, CEO of Lotte Biologics, said, “Completing the major construction of Songdo Plant 1 and securing occupancy approval just two years after breaking ground reflects the capabilities and execution excellence of our employees, combined with strategic support and collaboration across the Lotte Group.”
He added, “Leveraging our global manufacturing platform connecting Syracuse and Songdo, we will continue to establish ourselves as a trusted CDMO partner for customers worldwide.”
=San Diego
