Samsung Biologics to Accelerate Growth in Biosimilar Research

Samsung Biologics will acquire Biogen’s stake in Samsung Bioepis for $2.3 billion to accelerate growth in biosimilars and novel therapeutic research and development.

Under the terms of the agreement, Samsun Bioepis’’ will further its sales growth and streamline operational efficiencies. So far, the company has successfully launched five biosimilars globally, three in autoimmune and two in oncology.

Samsung Bioepis will also release one product this year, while four biosimilars are in Phase 3 clinical trials.

The full buyout of Biogen’sBiogen’s stake will boost Samsung Bioepis’Bioepis’ biosimilar development capabilities and future performance in novel drug development, with improved autonomy and agility in business operations.  

Full ownership will take effect when the first payment of $1.0 billion is made. The board also agreed to raise capital of $2.5 billion by issuing new shares.

Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics will continue to deliver quality-driven biomanufacturing services, with existing firewalls between Samsung Bioepis.

The company will expand its biopharmaceutical business in its three core drivers: continued capacity enhancement, the establishment of growth opportunities in new business areas, such as mRNA and cell and gene therapies, and global expansion.

And Samsung Biologics is currently building two manufacturing facilities.

The Plant 4 facility will break the company’scompany’s own record of the world’sworld's largest biomanufacturing capacity, while Plant 5 will offer multi-modal product services. The company will also secure additional land for Bio Campus II, which is expected to be 30 percent larger than the size of the current site.

Biosimilar adoption creates an opening for manufacturers and increases choices for payers, physicians, and patients by offering a cheaper version of biologics, which are proven to be effective treatment options for patients with chronic conditions. 

In 2019, Biogen entered into an agreement with Samsung Bioepis for exclusive rights to commercialize two new ophthalmology biosimilars, SB11 referencing Lucentis and SB15 referencing Eylea.

Biogen also acquired exclusive commercialization rights for its anti-TNF portfolio, including Benepali, Flixabi, and Imraldi. And the company will have the option to extend its existing commercial agreement with Samsung Bioepis for this anti-TNF portfolio in Europe.