Samsung Biologics to Acquire Polypeptide Group for 2.7 Trillion Won

Samsung Biologics will make a full-scale entry into the peptide drug market by acquiring Polypeptide Group, a global peptide contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), for about 2.7 trillion won. The deal is the largest merger and acquisition in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry in South Korea.
Samsung Biologics said in a disclosure on the 20th that it had signed an acquisition agreement with Polypeptide Group. The company plans to complete the purchase of a controlling stake and a tender offer to secure a 100% stake by the end of December this year.
With this acquisition, Samsung Biologics will expand its CDMO business, which has focused on antibody drugs, messenger RNA (mRNA), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), into the peptide sector.
Peptides have recently drawn attention as a key ingredient in GLP-1 drugs used to treat obesity and diabetes, and their applications are also expanding into cancer, immune disorders, and brain diseases.
Headquartered in Switzerland, Polypeptide Group is a specialized CDMO company with experience in developing and manufacturing more than 1,000 peptide drugs. It operates six production sites and research and development (R&D) facilities in five countries, including Europe, the United States, and India, and employs about 1,500 specialists.
Through the acquisition, Samsung Biologics plans to secure production facilities, technology, and specialized talent while also inheriting existing CDMO contracts to maintain a stable order base. By combining its experience in operating large-scale production facilities with peptide manufacturing technology, the company aims to create business synergies and expand production capacity in line with market growth. Global investment banks forecast that the global obesity treatment market could grow to as much as $150 billion, or about 200 trillion won, by 2035.
John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, said, "This acquisition is a strategic decision that strengthens our production capacity, business portfolio, and global footprint." He added, "We will further enhance our competitiveness in the global CDMO market."
[email protected] Jung Sang-hee Reporter