Daewoong said that it has been selected for a national research and development (R&D) project organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to advance digital twin-based next-generation biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.
The company’s proposal, titled “Development of next-generation biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes based on digital twins,” was chosen as part of the ministry’s 2025 First Biohealth R&D Program, reflecting its potential to revolutionize the way biologics are developed and produced.
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly complex and precise. However, global supply chain instability has made it more difficult to secure raw materials and equipment, raising the risks and costs associated with even minor process errors or delays.
To mitigate these challenges, the industry is turning to digital twin technologies as a next-generation solution.
A digital twin creates a virtual replica of a real-world manufacturing process, allowing companies to collect real-time data, run simulations, and monitor operations continuously.
In biologics production, where conditions such as temperature, time, and humidity must be meticulously controlled, digital twins enable real-time optimization without the need for repetitive physical trials under the traditional design of experiments (DoE) approach.
By simulating multiple variables in a virtual environment, companies can swiftly determine optimal process conditions, leading to improved productivity, higher product quality, and shorter development timelines, all while reducing costs.
This ability to enhance predictability and precision has positioned digital twin technology as a core enabler of next-generation biomanufacturing.
The new R&D initiative aims to fully implement digital twin systems into biologics production, including critical stages such as cell culture and purification.
Through the project, Daewoong will build and validate an integrated digital twin platform and conduct real-world demonstrations to assess its performance in replicating and improving actual production processes.
Daewoong has already introduced digital automation at its smart manufacturing facility in Osong. The company plans to leverage the new R&D program to accumulate simulation and process data, and further incorporate automation, unmanned operations, and data-driven decision-making into its biologics production lines.
“This national R&D project is highly meaningful as it applies digital twin-based process technologies—recognized as a future-leading innovation—to real-world biopharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Yu Ji-min, director of Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s cell therapy processing center. “It will allow us to significantly reduce development time and cost, ensure product quality, and lead Korea’s bioprocessing sector with predictive technologies grounded in precise data.”
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