Samsung Bioepis, a division of Samsung Group focused on developing biosimilar drugs, announced its plans to launch its ophthalmology biosimilar, Opuviz, in the United States in 2027.
Opuviz is a biosimilar to Eylea, a widely used eye drug originally developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in the U.S. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024. The same year, Samsung Bioepis also introduced Opuviz in South Korea.
Previously, Samsung Bioepis had been involved in patent disputes with Regeneron in the U.S. and Bayer, a German company that holds the exclusive rights to sell Eylea outside the U.S. However, the company announced that it had recently signed licensing agreements with both Regeneron and Bayer, clearing the way for the sale and commercialization of Opuviz in global markets.
Its plans for the U.S., Samsung Bioepis has already launched Opuviz in Britain last month and is preparing to expand the product into other European countries starting in April.
This marks a major step for Samsung Bioepis in expanding its footprint in the global pharmaceutical market, especially in the ophthalmology sector. By releasing Opuviz, the company focuses on providing a better alternative to Eylea, catering to patients with eye conditions and also handling the escalating biosimilar demands.