Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. announced a strategic license, development and commercialization agreement with NIPRO Corporation for multiple biosimilar candidates in Japan, marking a significant expansion of the company's presence in the Japanese pharmaceutical market. The partnership includes SB17, Samsung Bioepis' ustekinumab biosimilar candidate, among other biosimilar products.
Partnership Structure and Responsibilities
Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Bioepis will maintain responsibility for the development, manufacture and supply of the medicines, while NIPRO will handle all commercialization activities within Japan. This division of responsibilities leverages Samsung Bioepis' established biosimilar development capabilities with NIPRO's local market expertise and distribution network.
"This partnership marks an important step towards expanding our footprint in Japan," said Kyung-Ah Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Bioepis. "Biosimilars have a great potential to bring cost savings and widen access to treatments for healthcare systems, providers, and patients in Japan."
Market Impact and Therapeutic Areas
The collaboration is positioned to address treatment access challenges across multiple therapeutic areas in Japan. Samsung Bioepis maintains a broad pipeline of biosimilar candidates covering immunology, oncology, ophthalmology, hematology, nephrology, and endocrinology. The partnership specifically highlights the potential for biosimilars to generate cost savings while expanding treatment options for Japanese patients.
Kim emphasized the company's commitment to innovation, stating, "We will continue to advance our development platform and innovate access to treatments for healthcare systems, payers, physicians, and patients around the world."
Strategic Significance
The agreement represents Samsung Bioepis' strategic approach to international market expansion through partnerships with established local pharmaceutical companies. NIPRO Corporation brings expertise in high-quality medical devices and healthcare solutions to the collaboration, providing a foundation for successful market entry and product commercialization in Japan.
Samsung Bioepis, established in 2012, has positioned itself as a biopharmaceutical company focused on making healthcare accessible globally. The company's mission centers on becoming a leading biopharmaceutical company through product development innovations and quality commitments.
