Samsung Bioepis signs another deal with Chinese partner

Samsung Bioepis has joined hands with another Chinese partner to expand its biosimilar business in the world’s second largest bio market.

Samsung’s biopharmaceutical arm announced Monday that it has sealed a licensing agreement with C-Bridge Capital, a Chinese venture fund company. The agreement covers the company’s biosimilar candidates including one referencing a breast cancer drug.

In January, Samsung Bioepis signed a similar partnership agreement with 3SBio, a Chinese biopharmaceutical firm, for multiple biosimilar candidates such as “SB8,” which is used for the treatment of colorectal cancer and lung cancer.

Under the new agreement, C-Bridge will establish a new biopharmaceutical company “AffaMed Therapeutics” to collaborate with Samsung Bioepis for the commercialization of approved products in China. Samsung Bioepis will receive an upfront payment and royalties on sales. “C-Bridge is the right partner for us to expand our business in the Chinese market,” Samsung Bioepis CEO Ko Han-seung said.

Established in 2014, C-Bridge is a healthcare firm with its business portfolio covering diverse areas including biopharmaceuticals and medical devices. Currently, the Chinese firm reportedly manages around two trillion won worth of assets.


Seok-Jun Bae eulius@donga.com