Samsung Biologics Expands into Peptide API Manufacturing with $1.8B PolyPeptide Acquisition

Samsung Biologics announced an all-cash public tender offer of 1.46 billion Swiss francs ($1.8 billion) to acquire Switzerland-based PolyPeptide Group AG, a leading peptide-focused contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). The deal marks Samsung Biologics’ formal entry into peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and expands its manufacturing capabilities beyond antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) into peptide therapeutics, including GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes. PolyPeptide operates six GMP manufacturing sites across Europe, the U.S., and India and has experience in more than 1,000 peptide therapeutic development and manufacturing projects. The transaction, the largest acquisition ever by a South Korean pharma-biotech company, is expected to close by year-end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, after which Samsung Biologics plans to delist PolyPeptide and make it a wholly owned subsidiary. The move aligns with Samsung’s strategy to broaden its modality portfolio and global footprint, positioning it alongside players like Lonza and CordenPharma in integrated peptide and biologics services.