Samsung Bioepis, Teva Partner on Two Immunology Biosimilars

[Financial News] Samsung Bioepis is partnering with global pharmaceutical company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries to develop and commercialize two biosimilar candidates for immune-related diseases.
Samsung Bioepis said on the 1st that it had signed a partnership agreement with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries covering SB41, a biosimilar of Fasenra (active ingredient: benralizumab), and SB44, a biosimilar of Ilaris (active ingredient: Canakinumab).
Under the agreement, Samsung Bioepis will handle the development, regulatory approvals, and manufacturing of the two candidates. Teva will be responsible for sales in the United States, Europe, and Canada.
The companies also agreed on options to expand the partnership, including widening sales territories and strengthening cooperation on the development of additional biosimilars. They did not disclose the specific size or terms of the agreement.
Samsung Bioepis and Teva have previously built a collaborative relationship. Last year, they launched the rare-disease treatment Epysqli in the United States, and more recently signed a sales partnership for the ophthalmic treatment Opuviz in Canada. The latest agreement expands their collaboration into the immunology field.
Kim Kyung-ah, president of Samsung Bioepis, said, "Building on the success of our partnership with Teva, we are pursuing cooperation on two new candidates." She added, "We will continue expanding the supply of biosimilars for patients and healthcare systems worldwide by strengthening our pipeline across various disease areas."
Samsung Bioepis currently sells 11 products in global markets. With the addition of SB41 and SB44 to its previously disclosed pipeline of seven biosimilars, the company's follow-on biosimilar pipeline has grown to a total of nine candidates.

[email protected] Jung Sang-hee Reporter