Manufacturing of NN4101 Moves to Japan
Novelty Nobility, a South Korean biotech company, has expanded its partnership with AGC Biologics to further develop its bispecific antibody drug candidate, NN4101, at AGC Biologics’ facility in Chiba, Japan. The project underscores Japan’s advanced capabilities in bioprocessing and showcases AGC Biologics’ expanding global network.
This collaboration aims to advance the NN4101 candidate, designed to treat neovascular retinal diseases, through process development and GMP manufacturing. Previously, successful cell line development was completed in Copenhagen, Denmark. This milestone highlights AGC Biologics’ expertise and preparation for the next manufacturing phases.
Sang Gyu Park, CEO of Novelty Nobility, expressed confidence in AGC Biologics, saying, “AGC Biologics has proven to be an ideal manufacturing partner for advancing our most complex programs. We believe this bispecific antibody has the potential to offer a truly differentiated treatment option for patients with neovascular retinal diseases.”
AGC Biologics’ Global Network
AGC Biologics’ global network includes facilities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company is expanding its presence in Japan with a new state-of-the-art facility in Yokohama, designed to utilise the latest single-use bioreactor technology for large-scale GMP manufacturing. This expansion aims to support the growing demand for biopharmaceuticals globally.
Tadashi Murano, President of AGC Life Science Company, commented on the partnership’s significance, noting their “mammalian expression teams are adept at handling complex proteins.” According to Murano, their technical expertise and global capabilities are key to supporting Novelty Nobility’s innovative candidate as it moves toward clinical trials.
Field trials for NN4101 are expected to advance following the tech transfer to the Chiba site. This positions the drug candidate for clinical progress, with the Yokohama facility set to support the increasing demand in the region and globally.
Susumu Zen-in, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AGC Biologics’ Chiba site, emphasised, “When clients work with us, they tap into our entire global network which brings teams together for a seamless experience.”
The partnership with Novelty Nobility continues AGC Biologics’ track record of successful collaborations in advanced biologics manufacturing. The project highlights the power of their integrated global facility network, combining world-class expertise with regional presence.
AGC Biologics is committed to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of its clients, and the new Yokohama site is part of this ambitious expansion strategy. This development ensures AGC Biologics remains at the forefront of biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation.
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 6:49 pm
