On February 26, 2026, Samchundang Pharmaceutical, a name that’s been quietly gaining momentum in Korea’s competitive pharma scene, suddenly found itself in the spotlight. The company’s stock soared to a new 52-week high, closing at 662,000 KRW—a leap of 13.55% over the previous day, according to data reported by 증권플러스 and 서울경제. But what exactly sent investors scrambling to snap up shares, and why is this moment such a big deal for both Samchundang and the wider biotech industry?
The answer, it turns out, lies in a blockbuster deal that’s been months in the making. As reported by 서울경제, Samchundang Pharmaceutical (stock code 000250) inked a definitive, exclusive license and commercialization agreement with a major European pharmaceutical company. The deal covers an oral GLP-1 product—a generic version of blockbuster diabetes drug Rybelsus and obesity treatment Wegovy—targeting the United Kingdom and 11 other European countries. The news sent the company’s shares surging to the daily price limit, a rare event even in the fast-moving world of biotech stocks.
While the total contract value remains undisclosed, Samchundang’s regulatory filing revealed an upfront payment of approximately 50.8 billion KRW. That’s no small chunk of change, but what’s really turning heads is the revenue-sharing arrangement: Samchundang will receive a whopping 60% of the net profit from sales of the product. In an industry where such favorable terms are almost unheard of—especially for a company not yet in the global pharma elite—this is being described as a “groundbreaking” agreement. According to 서울경제, “It is difficult to find a precedent for a company taking 60% of net profit in a tender-based contract.”
The oral GLP-1 market is no ordinary playing field. GLP-1 agonists, like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Rybelsus and Wegovy), have become game-changers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The European market for semaglutide products is projected to exceed 30 trillion KRW once Samchundang’s generic hits the shelves, a figure that underscores just how high the stakes have become. The company’s leadership is clearly aiming high, and their ambitions are matched by careful strategy.
Samchundang isn’t simply throwing its product into the European market and hoping for the best. Instead, the company has developed a tailored entry strategy, dividing Europe into three distinct regions: government tenders (where national health systems purchase drugs in bulk), private insurance markets, and Eastern Europe, which often operates under a different set of rules. The first phase of Samchundang’s plan zeroes in on 11 countries—led by the UK and the Netherlands—where government tenders dominate. This focus, company officials say, gives Samchundang a crucial early foothold in some of the continent’s most lucrative and competitive markets.
“We have divided the European region into three segments—government tenders, private markets, and Eastern Europe—and are pursuing a customized entry strategy,” a Samchundang representative explained. “With this agreement, we have secured a head start in 11 government tender-centric countries, including the UK and the Netherlands.”
The timing of the deal couldn’t be more dramatic. In the week leading up to February 26, 2026, Samchundang’s stock price actually fell by 8.76%, according to 증권플러스. Foreign investors, perhaps spooked by the volatility, sold a net 10,649 shares. Institutional investors, on the other hand, saw opportunity and bought a net 62,287 shares during the same period. This tug-of-war between global and domestic confidence set the stage for the explosive rally that followed the licensing announcement.
For investors, the deal is a clear signal that Samchundang is ready to play in the big leagues. The company’s move into the oral GLP-1 market—historically dominated by giants like Novo Nordisk—marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape. The fact that Samchundang negotiated such favorable terms, especially the 60% net profit share, suggests that the company brings something unique to the table, whether it’s manufacturing know-how, regulatory expertise, or simply the right product at the right time.
It’s worth noting that Samchundang is not alone in its ambitions. The company is part of a broader wave of Korean biopharma firms—such as GC Pharma, Aprogen, SORIN Bio, Binex, Celltrion, Celltrion Pharm, ISU Abxis, Dong-A ST, Chong Kun Dang, Alteogen, PanGen, and Samsung Biologics—pushing into the global biosimilar and generic drug markets. The success of this licensing deal could set a new benchmark for what’s possible for Korean firms on the international stage.
Still, challenges remain. While the upfront payment and profit-sharing structure are impressive, the total contract value has not been disclosed, leaving some questions about the overall scale of the opportunity. Moreover, the European pharmaceutical market is notoriously complex, with regulatory hurdles, pricing pressures, and fierce competition from established players. Samchundang’s ability to navigate these waters will be closely watched by both investors and rivals.
Industry analysts are cautiously optimistic. The company’s strategy of segmenting the market and focusing first on government tenders could provide a stable revenue base, while the eventual expansion into private insurance and Eastern European markets offers significant upside. The projected size of the semaglutide market—over 30 trillion KRW—certainly provides room for growth, but capturing even a modest share will require flawless execution.
As for the stock market, the immediate reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Hitting the upper price limit in a single day is a rare achievement, and the surge reflects both excitement about the licensing agreement and renewed confidence in Samchundang’s long-term prospects. Whether this momentum can be sustained will depend on a range of factors, from regulatory approvals to market adoption and competitive responses.
For now, though, Samchundang Pharmaceutical is enjoying its moment in the sun. The company’s bold move into the European GLP-1 market, backed by a lucrative licensing deal and a smart entry strategy, has catapulted it into the ranks of Korea’s most watched pharma players. Investors and industry insiders alike will be keeping a close eye on the next chapter of this unfolding story.
With the ink barely dry on its European agreement and its stock price at a record high, Samchundang Pharmaceutical is poised for a future that, just a week ago, seemed far less certain.