Samsung Biologics Raises $2.18 Billion to Expand Into Peptides

Samsung Biologics secured approval for a $2.18 billion capital increase on August 28 to bolster its position in the global peptide drug market and augment production capacity. The funds, raised through a rights offering and public offering of unsubscribed shares, will be allocated between acquiring Swiss pharmaceutical firm PolyPeptide Group and expanding the company's Songdo, Incheon facility.

The transaction, valued at 2.7 trillion won, concluded in July when Samsung Biologics agreed to purchase PolyPeptide Group for 1.46 billion Swiss francs. The remaining capital will bolster Samsung Biologics' production capacity, with plans to construct six plants, each capable of generating 180,000 liters of product, by 2032. The company aims to diversify its product range beyond antibody drugs, mRNA, and antibody-drug conjugates, capitalizing on the growing interest in peptide-based treatments for obesity and diabetes.

Samsung Biologics intends to finalize the acquisition of PolyPeptide Group by year-end, thus solidifying its global manufacturing network in Europe, the United States, and India. The capital increase, comprising 2.71 trillion won, will dilute shareholder holdings by approximately 5%, primarily benefiting existing shareholders through a rights offering.

The process commences on September 30, with the record date for rights offerings set for October 6, and public offering on November 12. Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim emphasized the significance of this capital increase in positioning the firm as a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).