Samsung Bioepis and Epis NexLab have entered a research collaboration with G2GBIO to develop novel long-acting therapeutics, including a microsphere-based semaglutide formulation using sustained-release drug delivery technology.
Written By: Vennela Reddy, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. and Epis NexLab Co., Ltd., a sister company under Samsung Epis Holdings, have entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with biotechnology company G2GBIO to develop novel long-acting therapeutic assets using G2GBIO’s proprietary microsphere drug delivery platform.
The collaboration is designed to advance the development of innovative sustained-release medicines, beginning with a long-acting formulation of semaglutide, a widely used GLP-1 receptor agonist for metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Bioepis has secured a full license for the development of a novel long-acting semaglutide asset based on G2GBIO’s microsphere technology. The company has also obtained an option to license an additional asset from G2GBIO’s pipeline. In addition, Samsung Bioepis will receive first negotiation rights for three further novel assets that may be identified during the course of the collaboration.
Epis NexLab will play a key role in the partnership by co-developing the long-acting microsphere drug delivery platform alongside G2GBIO. The effort will focus on optimizing sustained-release formulations designed to improve dosing convenience and therapeutic performance. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Microsphere-based drug delivery technologies enable controlled and sustained release of active pharmaceutical ingredients over extended periods. This approach can potentially reduce dosing frequency and improve patient adherence, which is particularly important for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment.
Kyung-Ah Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Bioepis, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration.
“This agreement represents an important step in expanding our drug delivery capabilities and pipeline,” Kim said. “By leveraging G2GBIO’s proprietary microsphere technology and collaborating with Epis NexLab, we look forward to the development of innovative therapies and delivering meaningful treatment options to patients.”
The collaboration reflects Samsung Bioepis’ broader strategy to strengthen its pipeline through advanced drug delivery platforms and next-generation therapeutics. Long-acting formulations of GLP-1 therapies are an area of growing interest in the pharmaceutical industry, as companies seek to improve treatment convenience and long-term disease management.
If successfully developed, the long-acting semaglutide candidate could potentially offer extended dosing intervals compared with currently available GLP-1 therapies, representing a significant advancement in metabolic disease treatment.
Reference
Samsung Bioepis and Epis NexLab Sign Research Collaboration and License Agreement with G2GBIO to Develop Novel Assets Including Long-acting Semaglutide, 16 March 2026, https://www.samsungbioepis.com/en/newsroom/newsroomView.do?idx=538¤tPage=1
About the Writer
Vennela Reddy, B.Pharm
She is a pharmacy graduate with a keen interest in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, and medical writing, with a growing focus on publishable and scientific content development. In her words, she is passionate about translating complex medical data into clear, evidence-based communication.