Samsung Bioepis and Epis NexLab Sign Research Collaboration and License Agreement with G2GBIO to Develop Novel Assets Including Long-Acting Semaglutide

Key Takeaways

• Samsung Bioepis gets exclusive long‑acting semaglutide license
• Collaboration uses G2GBIO microsphere sustained‑release technology
• Epis NexLab co‑develops microsphere drug delivery platform
• Option included for licensing an additional G2GBIO asset
• First negotiation rights granted for three future novel assets

Summary

Samsung Bioepis and its sister firm Epis NexLab have signed a research collaboration and exclusive license agreement with G2GBIO to develop a long‑acting semaglutide formulation using G2GBIO’s proprietary microsphere technology. The deal grants Samsung Bioepis full rights to the semaglutide asset and an option to license a second G2GBIO candidate, plus first negotiation rights for three additional future assets. Epis NexLab will co‑develop the microsphere drug‑delivery platform, while financial terms remain confidential. The partnership aims to broaden Samsung Bioepis’ pipeline with sustained‑release biologics.

Pulse Analysis

Semaglutide has become a cornerstone therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity, yet its weekly injection schedule can limit patient adherence. Long‑acting formulations that release the peptide over extended periods promise to reduce dosing frequency, improve compliance, and open new market segments. Microsphere technology, which encapsulates the drug in biodegradable polymer particles, offers a proven route to sustained release, potentially delivering therapeutic levels for months with a single administration.

Samsung Bioepis, a fast‑growing biopharma subsidiary of Samsung Epis Holdings, is leveraging this technology through a strategic partnership with G2GBIO, a specialist in microsphere platforms. By securing an exclusive license for a long‑acting semaglutide asset and an option on a second candidate, Samsung Bioepis not only adds a differentiated product to its pipeline but also gains early‑stage rights to three additional assets under development. Epis NexLab’s involvement in co‑developing the delivery system ensures that the partnership integrates Samsung’s biologics expertise with G2GBIO’s formulation know‑how, creating a seamless path from research to commercialization.

The agreement positions Samsung Bioepis to compete more aggressively against established players such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who dominate the GLP‑1 market. A successful long‑acting semaglutide could capture a premium segment of patients seeking fewer injections, while the broader microsphere platform may be applied to other biologics in Samsung’s portfolio, from oncology to ophthalmology. Regulatory pathways for sustained‑release biologics are increasingly defined, suggesting a smoother approval trajectory. If the collaboration delivers on its promise, it could generate significant revenue streams and reinforce Samsung Bioepis’ ambition to become a global leader in innovative biologic therapies.