Samsung Biologics has offered to acquire PolyPeptide for CHF 1.46 billion ($1.8 billion), aiming to expand into peptide manufacturing, according to a Jul. 21 announcement.
PolyPeptide, a Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization, has experienced accelerating revenue growth due to increased demand for peptides in treating metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The company reported a 15.6% increase in revenue last year and is targeting sales growth of 20% to 25% this year. Profit margins have also risen and are expected to continue improving.
Samsung Biologics, based in South Korea, has traditionally focused on antibody-based modalities but seeks broader market presence through the acquisition of PolyPeptide. This move follows the demonstrated effectiveness of peptides like tirzepatide from Eli Lilly and semaglutide from Novo Nordisk in addressing obesity, diabetes, and other conditions.
PolyPeptide operates six development and production sites across Europe, the United States, and India that comply with current good manufacturing practices. Employing over 1,400 people, the company has produced more than 1,000 therapeutic peptides with a pipeline of 195 active projects—37 of which focus on metabolic disease programs for approximately 25 customers. These projects include GLP-1s, orals, multiple agonists, and combination therapies. The share of total company sales attributed to metabolic disease grew from 22% in 2021 to an estimated 57% by 2025; sales tripled during this period.
The company's facilities in Braine l’Alleud (Belgium), Torrance (California), and Malmö (Sweden) are involved in metabolic projects with ongoing expansions planned at these sites—including new large-scale solid-phase peptide synthesis capacity at Braine l’Alleud and an upcoming expansion at Malmö next year.
Samsung Biologics intends to launch an all-cash public tender offer for CHF 44.31 ($54.63) per share for PolyPeptide stockholders. Draupnir Holding—which owns about 55.65% of PolyPeptide’s share capital—has agreed to sell its stake as part of the deal process. To complete the acquisition, Samsung Biologics must secure two-thirds ownership, including Draupnir’s shares, as well as obtain regulatory approvals.
