The image shows Samsung Bioepis headquarters in Songdo, Incheon (Image courtesy of Samsung Bioepis)
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Epis Holdings, the holding company of biosimilar drug maker Samsung Bioepis, said it plans to expand its biosimilar lineup to 20 products by 2030, signaling a more aggressive push to scale its global drug portfolio while branching into novel therapies.
Kim Kyung-ah, president and chief executive of Samsung Epis Holdings, outlined the strategy Wednesday at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, according to the company. To reach the target, Samsung Epis is developing six additional biosimilar candidates that will be added to its pipeline over the coming years.
The company currently markets 11 biosimilars in more than 40 countries, including Adalloce, used to treat inflammatory diseases, and Obodence, which targets osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. Management said demand for lower-cost alternatives to branded biologics continues to support expansion in major global markets.
Samsung Epis also disclosed that it received investigational new drug clearance last month from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for SBE303, its first novel therapeutic candidate. The drug, an antibody-drug conjugate aimed at treating solid tumors, is expected to enter a Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial later this year.
The move marks a strategic step beyond the company’s core biosimilar business. Ms. Kim said Samsung Epis intends to continue developing antibody-drug conjugates alongside its biosimilar program, using its research platform to address areas of unmet medical need and broaden its long-term growth prospects.
Samsung Epis Holdings oversees Samsung Bioepis, a joint venture originally formed to tap the fast-growing biosimilar market, and the company has increasingly positioned itself as a broader biopharmaceutical developer as competition intensifies and pricing pressure mounts in biosimilars.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
