SK pharmteco Opens New CGMP Plasmid Suite In King Of Prussia, Strengthening Commitment To Cell And Gene Therapy Innovation

SK pharmteco, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced the opening of its new Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) plasmid suite at its facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. This strategic expansion underscores SK pharmteco’s commitment to providing a reliable and scalable supply of high-quality plasmids, a critical component in developing life-changing cell and gene therapies (CGTs).

Plasmids are the foundational building blocks for viral vector manufacturing and innovative therapies to treat patients with significant unmet medical needs. Located strategically in the heart of a central hub for potential customers and biopharmaceutical innovation, this new CGMP suite enhances SK pharmteco’s position as a key partner in advancing the CGT landscape.

“This new CGMP plasmid suite in King of Prussia represents a solid investment in our capabilities and our commitment to the cell and gene therapy sector,” said Joerg Ahlgrimm, Chief Executive Officer at SK pharmteco. “We understand the vital role that high-quality plasmids play in developing these transformative medicines, and this expansion will enable us to serve our clients better and ultimately contribute to bringing these therapies to patients in need.”

SK pharmteco’s 300,000 sq. ft. King of Prussia facility offers a wide range of services, including process development and plasmid manufacturing with four dedicated suites capable of producing three distinct plasmid grades.

Additionally, the site features two independent aseptic fill & finish operations and provides integrated CDMO and contract analytical testing services, as well as an in-house CGMP cell line, further streamlining the development and manufacturing process for cell and gene therapies.

This expansion comes at a crucial time for the cell and gene therapy field, which faces reimbursement challenges in the U.S. The high upfront costs of these therapies, ranging from $500,000 to $3.5 million, create significant hurdles for widespread patient access. Payers, including private insurers and public programs, grapple with the misalignment between these costs and the long-term benefits CGTs offer.

SK pharmteco’s investment in this new CGMP plasmid suite demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to supporting the growth and accessibility of CGTs. By ensuring a robust supply of high-quality starting materials, SK pharmteco is positioned to be a valuable partner in navigating the complexities of this rapidly evolving field.

About SK pharmteco
SK pharmteco is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with production sites, research & development facilities, and analytical laboratories across the U.S., Europe, and South Korea. The company partners with biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes to manufacture Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and intermediates, cell and gene therapy technologies, registered starting materials, and analytical services for the biopharmaceutical industry worldwide. SK pharmteco is a subsidiary of SK Inc. (SK), the strategic investment company for SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate.