The 7Bio USA event, held in Boston, is teeming with participants, showcasing heightened global interest in the latest developments in biotechnology. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
BOSTON, June 21 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea solidified its standing as a global biotech powerhouse at this year’s BIO International Convention (BIO USA), the world’s largest biotechnology exhibition, which concluded Wednesday in Boston.
With over 1,300 Korean delegates—the most from any overseas nation for the third consecutive year—South Korea’s presence reflected both its scientific ambition and growing competitiveness in the life sciences industry.
Hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the 32nd edition of BIO USA drew more than 20,000 participants from 70 countries. The Korean Pavilion, jointly operated by the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO) and KOTRA, featured 51 Korean companies, resulting in over 450 business meetings and 24 technology presentations during the four-day event.
Major Players and Next-Generation Leadership Drive Growth
Korean industry heavyweights such as Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, SK Biopharmaceuticals, Lotte Biologics, and Dong-A Socio Holdings operated independent booths, drawing a steady stream of global partners.
Samsung Biologics alone reported more than 150 meetings, while SK Biopharmaceuticals logged close to 200, and Celltrion exceeded its prior year’s meeting count with 110 scheduled sessions.
Lotte Biologics announced a contract on June 18 with U.S.-based biotech Otimo Pharma for antibody drug manufacturing, marking a tangible outcome of the event’s networking intensity.
Notably, members of Korea’s third-generation chaebol leadership also made appearances. Shin Yoo-yeol, Executive Vice President of Lotte Holdings, visited multiple booths across leading biotech firms, reflecting a hands-on approach to “future growth engines.” Choi Yoon-jung, Head of Business Development at SK Biopharmaceuticals, also held high-level meetings throughout the convention.
The Korea Biotech Partnership Forum, hosted by KoreaBIO and others, drew over 700 participants including executives from global pharmaceutical firms, venture capitalists, and investment banks.
Lawmakers, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, sent messages of support, reinforcing the industry’s policy importance under President Lee Jae-myung’s administration.
CDMO Rivalry Heats Up, New Growth Engines Take Root
This year’s event spotlighted intensified competition in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO). Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim reiterated plans to expand production through a third Bio Campus, with the company’s current capacity already leading globally at 784,000 liters. “The CDMO market will continue to grow, and capacity expansion is essential,” Rim noted.
Lotte Biologics unveiled its booth at BIO USA 2025, drawing attention from global attendees with its innovative biopharmaceutical technologies and strategic vision. (Image courtesy of Yonahp)
Lotte Biologics also promoted its facilities in Syracuse, New York and Songdo, South Korea, highlighting a $100 million investment in advanced antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) capabilities. CEO James Park reported growing interest from global clients as construction at the Songdo campus progresses.
In parallel, Samsung Biologics announced plans to enter the organoid (mini-organ) market and expand into contract research and development manufacturing (CRDMO) services. “This year saw strong interest not only in our traditional CDMO services but also in organoid and ADC platforms,” a company official said.
Celltrion, traditionally known for biosimilars, shifted focus to innovative drug development, emphasizing its strategic pivot and intent to lead in new drug pipelines through open innovation.
Samjin Pharmaceutical, debuting its first formal corporate presentation at BIO USA, signaled a move away from generics toward ADC innovation, aligning with the industry’s push for high-value therapeutics.
Geopolitics in Biotech: U.S.–China Rivalry Looms
Beyond business, geopolitical tensions shadowed the convention. Chinese biotech giant WuXi Biologics was absent again due to friction with the U.S., including scrutiny under proposed biosecurity legislation targeting Chinese firms as national security risks.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush made a rare appearance, reportedly holding closed-door discussions with top biotech executives—an unusual move signaling U.S. concern over China’s rising biotech capabilities.
Still, China maintained a presence with its own exhibition area, holding active meetings not far from the Korean Pavilion.
Industry leaders warned against complacency. “South Korea must pursue strategic collaborations and outpace latecomers,” said Noh Yeon-hong, Chairman of the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association. “China remains a formidable partner—politics aside, cooperation is essential.”
Lee Seung-kyu, Vice Chairman of KoreaBIO, cautioned that unless Korea’s biotech sector makes meaningful progress within the next three to five years, it risks falling behind in an increasingly competitive global race.
As South Korea continues to expand its biotech ambitions under President Lee’s innovation-led economic agenda, BIO USA 2025 has underscored both the sector’s potential—and the urgency of sustaining momentum.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
