Sandoz Restructures Operations and Expands Biosimilar Pipeline Through Samsung Bioepis Partnership
核心洞察
Sandoz creates a dedicated global biosimilar development, manufacturing and supply unit led by industry veteran Armin Metzger to capitalize on the upcoming "golden decade" of biosimilar opportunities.
The company announces a major partnership with Samsung Bioepis (搜索) for up to five biosimilar assets, starting with vedolizumab, potentially expanding its pipeline to 32 assets.
These strategic moves position Sandoz to capture a significant share of the projected USD 320 billion biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity market opportunity over the next decade.
Sandoz, the global leader in affordable medicines, has announced two major strategic initiatives designed to strengthen its position in the biosimilar market as the industry approaches what CEO Richard Saynor describes as an unprecedented "golden decade" for patient access. The company is creating a new global biosimilar development, manufacturing and supply unit while simultaneously expanding its pipeline through a significant partnership with Samsung Bioepis (搜索).
New Organizational Structure Targets Biosimilar Growth
The pharmaceutical giant announced on March 10, 2026, the creation of a dedicated biosimilar development, manufacturing and supply unit to be headed by industry veteran Armin Metzger, who will join Sandoz on April 1, 2026, as President, Biosimilar Development, Manufacturing & Supply. Metzger brings extensive experience from Swiss-based Ferring Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations Officer, and nearly 20 years in technological leadership roles at Merck KGaA and Merck Serono.
"We stand today at the start of an unprecedented 'golden decade' for patient access, with medicines worth more than USD 650 billion dollars set to lose exclusivity over the next 10 years," said Saynor. "As the global leader in affordable medicines and the pioneer of biosimilars, Sandoz is determined to capture this opportunity and deliver strong, sustainable growth."
The restructuring consolidates biosimilar operations under dedicated leadership while maintaining separate generics capabilities. Claire D'Abreu-Hayling, currently Chief Scientific Officer, becomes President, Generics Development and Chief Scientific Officer, while Glenn Gerecke is appointed President, Generics Manufacturing & Supply. Generic medicines represent 70% of Sandoz net sales globally in 2025 and an even higher proportion by volume.
Strategic Partnership Expands Biosimilar Pipeline
Eight days later, on March 18, 2026, Sandoz announced a major license, development and commercialization partnership agreement with Samsung Bioepis (搜索) Co., Ltd., for up to five biosimilar assets. The first asset will be a vedolizumab biosimilar, currently in early-stage development, targeting the reference medicine Entyvio® (vedolizumab), which treats adult patients with Crohn's disease (搜索), ulcerative colitis (搜索), or pouchitis (搜索).
Under the agreement terms, Sandoz will have exclusive global commercialization rights except in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and the Republic of Korea. Samsung Bioepis (搜索) will handle development, regulatory submissions in key markets, and manufacturing. Both companies have agreed to keep financial details confidential.
The partnership could expand Sandoz's leading pipeline to up to 32 assets and reinforces its commitment to capturing a significant share of the projected global biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity market opportunity, estimated at around USD 320 billion over the next decade.
Building on Successful Collaboration
This new agreement builds on the successful global partnership between the two companies first established in September 2023 for Pyzchiva® (ustekinumab), which Sandoz launched in Europe in July 2024 and in the US in February 2025. In December 2025, the companies also signed an agreement for the commercialization of Epysqli™, a biosimilar to eculizumab (Soliris®), for the Middle East and Africa region.
"This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality medicines for patients worldwide," said Saynor. "It is another important step toward capitalizing on the unprecedented biosimilar market opportunity over the next decade while also strengthening our partnership with Samsung Bioepis (搜索)."
Market Position and Future Outlook
Sandoz continues to develop its leading pipeline of biosimilar medicines, building on its experience as the pioneer and global leader with a portfolio of 13 molecules available in nearly 100 countries. The company's strategic positioning as the only 'pure-play' biosimilars and generics company with strong leadership positions in both segments provides unique synergies for growth.
The organizational changes and partnership expansion have no impact on the company's 2026 financial guidance, medium-term outlook, or financial reporting. With net sales of USD 11.1 billion in 2025 and operations reaching over one billion patients annually, Sandoz is positioned to capitalize on the significant market opportunities ahead while maintaining its commitment to generating substantial global healthcare savings.