Celltrion delivered a comprehensive update on its long-term growth strategy and next-generation therapeutic portfolio during the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference held in San Francisco, California. The global biopharmaceutical leader outlined major advances across its innovative drug pipeline—including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and multi-specific antibodies (msAbs)—while also unveiling an ambitious plan to expand manufacturing and research and development (R&D) operations in the United States. Together, these initiatives underscore Celltrion’s commitment to sustainable growth, supply chain resilience, and deepening its strategic presence in the U.S. market.
Celltrion’s presentation on the conference’s Main Track was structured around two core themes: “From Biosimilar Excellence to Next-Gen Innovative Therapeutics” and “Scaling Our U.S. Presence with a Next-Gen Manufacturing and R&D Hub.” The session was led by Jin-Seok Seo, Chief Executive Officer, and Hyuk-Jae Lee, Senior Executive Vice President, who together detailed how the company is leveraging its established leadership in biosimilars to accelerate its transition into innovative medicines.
At the heart of this transition is a rapidly expanding pipeline of novel therapeutics. Celltrion plans to submit up to 16 investigational new drug (IND) applications by 2028, reflecting a strong emphasis on oncology and advanced antibody engineering. These planned submissions include up to 10 ADCs, four msAbs, one recombinant protein, and one peptide-based therapy. In parallel, the company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to its biosimilar franchise, targeting commercialization of up to 18 biosimilar products by 2030 and expanding that portfolio to 41 products by 2038.
Celltrion’s ADC platform is designed to address high unmet medical needs in solid tumor cancers by combining potent cytotoxic agents with highly specific antibodies. Several of the company’s ADC candidates have already reached important regulatory milestones. IND applications for CT-P70, CT-P71, and CT-P73 were accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2025, marking a significant step forward in clinical development. Among these, CT-P70—a novel ADC being developed for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—received Fast Track designation from the FDA. This status enables more frequent interactions with regulators and may allow for an accelerated review timeline, reflecting the therapy’s potential to address a serious condition with limited treatment options.
In addition to ADCs, Celltrion is advancing a differentiated portfolio of msAbs that are engineered to enhance precision and safety. These multi-specific antibodies are designed either to selectively bind cancer cells or to activate only under defined biological conditions, potentially reducing off-target effects. A key milestone in this area was the FDA’s approval of an IND for CT-P72, a tetravalent bispecific antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3). This program highlights Celltrion’s deep expertise in antibody science and its focus on next-generation immuno-oncology approaches.
Commenting on the company’s progress, CEO Jin-Seok Seo emphasized Celltrion’s strategic evolution. He noted that the company is building on its proven global footprint in biosimilars while accelerating its shift toward innovative therapeutics. According to Seo, the growing pipeline of ADCs and msAbs reflects Celltrion’s ambition to redefine standards of care in oncology and other therapeutic areas, while delivering meaningful benefits to patients worldwide and creating sustainable long-term value through scientific excellence and bold innovation.
Beyond pipeline development, Celltrion placed strong emphasis on strengthening its U.S. manufacturing and R&D infrastructure. A central component of this strategy is the recent acquisition of a former Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey. This transaction secured 66,000 liters of drug substance (DS) manufacturing capacity, providing Celltrion with a substantial production footprint in the United States. The company plans to sequentially expand this capacity to a total of 132,000 liters by 2030 and to further enhance the site with drug product (DP) manufacturing capabilities.
This U.S.-based manufacturing expansion is intended to strengthen supply chain resilience and mitigate potential trade and tariff risks, while supporting Celltrion’s growing global product portfolio. By localizing large-scale production in the U.S., the company aims to ensure a stable and reliable supply of biologics for the American market and beyond. The expanded facility is also expected to serve as a foundation for deeper R&D collaboration and innovation activities in the region.
Senior Executive Vice President Hyuk-Jae Lee described the acquisition as a pivotal step in reinforcing Celltrion’s global supply chain and long-term U.S. commitment. He highlighted that securing large-scale DS capacity domestically not only enhances supply stability but also positions the company for future growth by integrating manufacturing excellence with expanded R&D capabilities.
Overall, Celltrion’s presentation at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference painted a clear picture of a company in strategic transformation. By advancing a robust pipeline of next-generation therapeutics and investing heavily in U.S.-based manufacturing and R&D, Celltrion is positioning itself to remain competitive in an evolving global biopharmaceutical landscape while delivering long-term value to patients, partners, and shareholders alike.
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