IFEZ Journal

1. Samsung Biologics

Samsung Biologics Earns “A” Rating in CDP’s Water Security Category

Samsung Biologics earned the highest A rating in the 2024 Water Security category of the global environmental assessment organization CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project). CDP annually evaluates the environmental management performance of major companies worldwide, and an A rating in the Water Security category is granted to companies that excel in reducing water consumption, managing water quality, and mitigating water-related risks. Samsung Biologics has established a sustainable water management system by operating state-of-the-art water treatment facilities, improving water recycling rates, and implementing a water resource monitoring system. The company also treats and reuses wastewater from its Songdo production facilities, achieving annual water savings of hundreds of thousands of tons. The A rating from CDP validates Samsung Biologics’ ESG practices, recognizing their efforts using global standards. A company representative said, “We aim to become a sustainable biopharmaceutical company committed to environmental responsibility.”

2. Celltrion

Celltrion Signs Formulary Listing Agreement for Its Biosimilars with One of the Major U.S. PBMs

Celltrion announced that it has entered into a formulary listing agreement with one of the three major U.S. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for its products Stekima (active ingredient: ustekinumab) and Yepolo (active ingredient: aflibercept). Under this agreement, the two products will be listed on all public and private insurance formularies operated by the PBM, covering approximately 22% of the U.S. insurance market. Stekima is a biosimilar of Soliris, a treatment for autoimmune diseases, while Yepolo is a biosimilar of Eylea, a treatment for ophthalmic conditions. Celltrion secured the agreement by utilizing a direct sales strategy through its U.S. subsidiary and the network established through its existing products, Zymfentra and Yuflyma. The top three U.S. PBMs wield considerable influence, accounting for around 80% of the total insurance market. A company representative said, “We were able to accelerate the agreement based on our negotiation capabilities, and we will continue to focus on expanding our biosimilar presence in the U.S. market.”

3. IGC

IGC Emerges as a Hub for Urban Diplomacy and Academic–Industry Partnerships

Incheon Global Campus (IGC) serves as a hub for city diplomacy and academia–industry collaboration. IGC is a global education cluster hosting four prestigious foreign universities—SUNY Korea, George Mason University, Ghent University, and the University of Utah—alongside Korean institutions such as Yonsei University and Incheon National University. Recently, IGC has contributed to enhancing Incheon’s international reputation through exchanges with sister cities abroad, hosting international academic conferences, and collaborating on projects with global companies and organizations. In particular, youth exchange programs with Düsseldorf, Germany, and collaborative smart city research with Hanoi, Vietnam, were conducted last year, under IGC’s guidance. The universities on campus are also strengthening industry–academia collaboration with Songdo’s biotech and high-tech companies, cultivating talent tailored to on-site industry needs. An IGC official stated, “We will leverage our global network to help develop Incheon into an international hub for education and research.”

4. Sartorius

Sartorius Successfully Concludes Final Presentation of “Bio-Healthcare Onboarding Program”

The final performance presentation of the “Bio-Healthcare Onboarding Program,” jointly organized by the Sustainable Management Foundation and global biopharmaceutical company Sartorius, was held with great success. The program is an incubation course offering mentoring, technical advice, and commercialization support to aspiring entrepreneurs and startups in the biotechnology sector. The event featured 10 teams presenting innovative ideas, including ▲Improvements in biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, ▲Digital healthcare solutions, and ▲Development of new bio-materials. Sartorius provided teams with access to its Songdo production and research facilities to test their technologies and plans to offer additional support and potential investment resources to high-performing teams. A representative from the Sustainable Management Foundation said, “This program is a hands-on initiative developed in partnership with companies to revitalize the biotech startup ecosystem, and we intend to continue expanding it.” Songdo was praised as an innovative ecosystem where major biopharmaceutical companies and startups coexist and collaborate.

5. Lotte Biologics

Lotte Biologics Begins Full-Scale Push into the Global CDMO Market for ADCs

Lotte Biologics is stepping into the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market for antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). It participated in the World ADC San Diego in the U.S. as well as the CPHI Frankfurt, a global pharmaceutical exhibition in Germany. ADCs, as next-generation biopharmaceuticals that selectively target cancer cells by linking antibodies to anticancer drugs, have recently attracted significant investment from global pharmaceutical companies. Lotte Biologics is building ADC production infrastructure at the Songdo Bio Campus, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2026. During the World ADC exhibition, the company presented ▲Its ADC production capabilities, ▲Quality management systems, and ▲Examples of global partnerships, while also exploring opportunities to collaborate with international pharmaceutical firms. A representative from Lotte Biologics said, “ADCs demand highly sophisticated technologies, and we aim to capitalize on Songdo’s cutting-edge facilities and professional talent to strengthen our global position."

6. Ørsted

Ørsted Approaches Completion of Full Green Transition with 98% Reduction in Carbon Emissions 

Ørsted, a leading global renewable energy company, has reduced its carbon emissions by 98% and is close to achieving the world’s first full green transition. Originally a coal-based power company in 2006, Ørsted has aggressively shifted its focus to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind. Aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025, the company currently supplies clean electricity to tens of millions of households annually through its offshore wind farms worldwide. It also seeks to expand into the Asian renewable energy market, maintaining a partnership with Incheon, home to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) headquarters. This achievement demonstrates that corporate carbon-neutral transitions are feasible and carries important implications for developing an eco-friendly industrial ecosystem within IFEZ. A representative from Ørsted emphasized, “Companies play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis, and the green transition is no longer optional but mandatory.”

7. YG-1

Incheon Landing Operation Commemoration in the Global City of Incheon Featured on the Front Page of The New York Times

YG-1 Co., Ltd., a global cutting tool manufacturer led by CEO Song Ho-keun, donated KRW 10 million to support vulnerable communities in Gyeyang District, Incheon. Founded in 1981, YG-1 specializes in manufacturing cutting tools such as drills, end mills, and taps, and has earned recognition for its technological expertise both domestically and internationally. With its headquarters and manufacturing facilities located in Gyeyang’s Seoun Industrial Complex, the company has maintained ongoing charitable efforts for the local community. CEO Song said, “Having conducted business in the Seoun Industrial Complex for many years, we hope this donation offers a modest benefit to our neighbors. We aim to be a company that grows together with the local community.” A representative from Gyeyang District said, “We are grateful for the generous support of the local company, and we will ensure it is delivered to those in need.” YG-1’s donation is considered an example of a local company fulfilling its social responsibility.