Collaboration aims to develop novel therapeutics, including long-acting semaglutide, using G2GBIO’s proprietary microsphere technology.
Samsung Bioepis and Epis NexLab, a sister company operating under Samsung Epis Holdings, have entered into a strategic research collaboration and license agreement with G2GBIO, a biotechnology company specializing in sustained-release drug formulation technologies. The partnership aims to develop innovative pharmaceutical assets using G2GBIO’s proprietary microsphere-based drug delivery platform, with an initial focus on a long-acting formulation of Semaglutide. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the companies’ efforts to expand their drug delivery capabilities and bring next-generation therapies to patients worldwide.
Strategic Collaboration to Advance Long-Acting Therapies
The agreement brings together the complementary expertise of the three organizations. Samsung Bioepis is widely recognized for its work in biologics and biosimilars, while Epis NexLab focuses on next-generation pharmaceutical innovation and advanced drug delivery research. G2GBIO, on the other hand, has developed a proprietary microsphere technology designed to enable sustained-release formulations that allow drugs to remain active in the body for longer periods.
By combining these capabilities, the partners aim to develop novel therapeutics that can offer improved convenience and effectiveness compared with conventional treatments. Long-acting drug formulations have become an increasingly important area of pharmaceutical research, as they can reduce dosing frequency, improve patient adherence to treatment regimens, and potentially enhance therapeutic outcomes.
The centerpiece of the collaboration is the development of a novel long-acting semaglutide asset using G2GBIO’s advanced microsphere technology. Semaglutide is a well-known medication used to treat metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Traditional formulations often require frequent dosing schedules, but long-acting versions have the potential to significantly reduce how often patients need to take the medication.
Licensing and Development Structure
Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Bioepis will receive full licensing rights to the long-acting semaglutide asset being developed through the collaboration. In addition, the company has secured an option to license another drug candidate from G2GBIO’s pipeline, further expanding the scope of the partnership.
Beyond these initial assets, Samsung Bioepis has also been granted first negotiation rights for three additional novel therapeutic candidates that may be developed using G2GBIO’s microsphere technology. These future assets have yet to be publicly identified, but they are expected to target areas where sustained-release delivery systems could provide meaningful clinical advantages.
Epis NexLab will play a key role in the technical development of the drug delivery platform. The company will work closely with G2GBIO to co-develop the long-acting microsphere system that forms the foundation of the new therapies. This collaborative development model allows the partners to leverage G2GBIO’s core technology while integrating Epis NexLab’s expertise in pharmaceutical engineering and advanced drug formulation.
While the collaboration outlines several important commercial and development rights, the companies noted that the financial terms of the agreement remain confidential.
Importance of Microsphere Drug Delivery Technology
Microsphere-based drug delivery systems represent one of the most promising approaches for achieving sustained drug release. These systems typically involve microscopic particles made from biodegradable polymers that encapsulate the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Once administered, the microspheres gradually release the drug over a defined period of time as the polymer matrix slowly degrades.
This controlled release mechanism offers several advantages compared with traditional drug formulations. It can maintain more consistent drug levels in the bloodstream, reduce the frequency of dosing, and potentially minimize side effects caused by fluctuating drug concentrations.
G2GBIO has developed proprietary microsphere technology designed to optimize these benefits. The company’s platform is intended to provide precise control over drug release profiles, enabling the creation of therapies that remain effective for extended durations.
By integrating this technology into its development pipeline, Samsung Bioepis aims to broaden its capabilities beyond biosimilars and expand into innovative drug delivery solutions.
Expanding the Pipeline of Innovative Therapies
For Samsung Bioepis, the partnership represents a strategic step toward diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its position in the global biopharmaceutical industry. The company has built a strong reputation in the development and commercialization of biosimilar medicines, but it has also been working to expand into new therapeutic areas and advanced technologies.
The collaboration with G2GBIO and Epis NexLab aligns with this broader strategy. By investing in sustained-release formulations and advanced drug delivery systems, Samsung Bioepis can explore new treatment options that address unmet medical needs while improving patient convenience.
Long-acting therapies have gained significant attention across the pharmaceutical sector in recent years. Many healthcare providers and patients prefer treatments that require less frequent dosing, particularly for chronic conditions that require long-term management. Innovations in drug delivery platforms are therefore becoming a key focus for companies seeking to improve both patient experience and treatment outcomes.
Leadership Perspective
Kyung-Ah Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Bioepis, emphasized the importance of the agreement in advancing the company’s innovation strategy.
According to Kim, the partnership represents an important step in strengthening the organization’s drug delivery capabilities and expanding its development pipeline. By working closely with G2GBIO and Epis NexLab, the company aims to create new therapeutic solutions that can provide meaningful benefits to patients.
Kim highlighted that the collaboration will combine G2GBIO’s proprietary microsphere technology with the research and development expertise of the Samsung Bioepis ecosystem. This synergy, she noted, is expected to accelerate the creation of innovative therapies and help bring advanced treatment options to patients around the world.