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Samsung Bioepis, Epis NexLab and G2GBIO partner on long-acting semaglutide using microsphere technology

Samsung Bioepis, Epis NexLab, and G2GBIO Enter Research Collaboration and License Agreement for Long-Acting Semaglutide

Edited by Robert McTiernan··3 min read

Samsung Bioepis, Epis NexLab, and G2GBIO Enter Research Collaboration and License Agreement for Long-Acting Semaglutide

Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd., based in Incheon, South Korea, and Epis NexLab Co., Ltd., a sister company under Samsung Epis Holdings, have signed a research collaboration and license agreement with Seoul-based G2GBIO, Inc. to develop novel assets using G2GBIO's proprietary microsphere technology (source). The lead asset is a long-acting semaglutide formulation designed for sustained-release injectable delivery. Samsung Bioepis receives an exclusive license to develop and commercialize the semaglutide candidate along with one additional undisclosed asset. All three companies are headquartered in South Korea.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Samsung Bioepis receives a full license right for the long-acting semaglutide asset and an option to license a second asset from G2GBIO. The company also obtains first negotiation rights for three additional novel assets yet to be determined. Epis NexLab will co-develop the long-acting microsphere drug delivery platform using G2GBIO's technology. No upfront payment, milestone structure, royalty rates, territorial restrictions, or equity components were made public.

Deal context

The microsphere sustained-release platform developed by G2GBIO encapsulates peptide therapeutics in biodegradable microspheres, enabling controlled drug release over extended periods. Applied to semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, this semaglutide drug delivery approach could reduce injection frequency compared to existing weekly formulations. Semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells and in the central nervous system, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. These properties make it a validated therapeutic for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

No clinical trial data for this specific long-acting semaglutide formulation have been disclosed. The program appears to be at a preclinical or early development stage, with no trial registry entries or published study results available. Samsung Bioepis, established in 2012 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Epis Holdings, has built its pipeline across immunology, oncology, ophthalmology, hematology, nephrology, and endocrinology. The Epis NexLab collaboration on the microsphere platform extends Samsung Bioepis's capabilities into sustained-release drug delivery, a modality not previously central to its portfolio.

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G2GBIO specializes in sustained-release formulation development. The deal gives Samsung Bioepis access to up to five total assets through the combination of a full license, an option, and first negotiation rights, providing pipeline expansion potential beyond the lead semaglutide candidate.

The GLP-1 receptor agonist market includes several approved and late-stage competitors targeting the same pathway:

  • Liraglutide — Novo Nordisk — approved
  • Dulaglutide — Eli Lilly — approved
  • Exenatide — AstraZeneca — approved
  • Tirzepatide — Eli Lilly — approved (dual GIP/GLP-1R agonist)

Each of these agents is injectable. Tirzepatide is differentiated by its dual mechanism targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. A sustained-release microsphere formulation of semaglutide would need to demonstrate differentiation in dosing frequency, pharmacokinetic profile, or tolerability to compete in this space. Reduced peak-trough fluctuations and less frequent dosing could address adherence challenges in chronic metabolic disease management, though clinical evidence for these advantages in this specific formulation does not yet exist.

The deal structure reflects Samsung Bioepis's interest in building a presence in metabolic disease through novel drug delivery rather than molecule discovery. The tri-party arrangement, with G2GBIO providing the microsphere technology, Epis NexLab contributing to platform development, and Samsung Bioepis holding commercialization rights, distributes development responsibilities across specialized entities within and outside the Samsung Epis Holdings corporate structure.

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