Sandoz has partnered with Samsung Bioepis to broaden patient access to high-quality biosimilar medicines worldwide.
The agreement allows the companies to work together on up to five biosimilar assets. The first will be a vedolizumab biosimilar, which is in early-stage development. Entyvio (vedolizumab), the reference medicine, is used to treat adults with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or pouchitis.
Sandoz plans to capture a significant share of the projected global biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity market opportunity, which is currently set to grow to an estimated $320bn by 2036, with this partnership potentially expanding the company’s pipeline by up to 32 assets.
Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz, said: “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality medicines for patients worldwide.
“It is another important step toward capitalising on the unprecedented biosimilar market opportunity over the next decade while also strengthening our partnership with Samsung Bioepis.”
Under the agreement, Samsung will be responsible for development, regulatory submissions and manufacturing.
Sandoz will have exclusive rights to commercialise globally, except in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and the Republic of Korea. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Previously, the two companies partnered on Pyzchiva (ustekinumab) and signed an agreement for the commercialisation of Epysqli, for the Middle East and Africa regions, in September 2023 and December 2025 respectively.