HLB taps ex-Samsung Biologics CEO Kim Tae-han as bio chairman

Kim Tae-han, the former Samsung Biologics CEO, took up his new role Thursday as chairman overseeing HLB Group’s bio businesses. (Courtesy of HLB)

HLB Group has recruited former Samsung Biologics CEO Kim Tae-han as chairman overseeing its bio businesses starting Thursday, as the Korean biotech conglomerate tries to turn late-stage R&D assets into global approvals and partnerships.

The group disclosed the appointment on Wednesday, framing it as a bid to tighten execution across its bio affiliates as it expects major clinical and regulatory milestones to come into view in early 2026.

Kim is best known for leading Samsung Biologics from its earliest days, serving as the company’s inaugural CEO and steering the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) through its buildout, initial public offering (IPO) process and overseas customer push, after earlier roles focused on planning and new-business strategy across Samsung affiliates.

HLB is heading into 2026 with multiple U.S. regulatory efforts in motion. The group has said it is preparing for FDA action on its liver cancer regimen combining rivoceranib and camrelizumab, as well as an FDA pathway for lirafugratinib in bile duct cancer.

Rivoceranib plus camrelizumab has already faced U.S. setbacks, with the FDA issuing a second complete response letter in March 2025 tied to manufacturing issues, prompting HLB and its partners to map out a return strategy.

Separately, HLB’s U.S. affiliate has been working with the agency on its filing approach for lirafugratinib, a targeted therapy aimed at a subset of cholangiocarcinoma patients with FGFR2 alterations.

HLB also pointed to a broader set of assets it wants to push into global dealmaking, including long-acting injectable technology at HLB Pharma, peptide platforms at HLB Pep, diagnostics capabilities at HLB Panagene and a CAR-T program housed in the group.

Kim said he plans to help ensure that R&D results translate into sustainable corporate value by upgrading the business structure and strengthening coordination across R&D, commercialization and global strategy.