Samsung Epis Holdings has announced the formation of Epis NexLab, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to advancing next-generation biotechnology platforms.

The new company aims to transform cutting-edge, highly scalable technologies into innovative drug discovery platforms, exploring new therapeutic modalities including amino acid and peptide conjugates, while pursuing partnerships and licensing opportunities with global pharmaceutical firms.

Peter Seongwon Hong will serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Epis NexLab, in addition to his current role as the Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Early Development at Samsung Bioepis. He will also serve on the board of directors of Samsung Epis Holdings as a non-executive director, the company said in a release.

“Building on the R&D expertise accumulated through years of developing quality-assured biologics at Samsung Bioepis, we will focus on securing next-generation biotechnology platforms that can drive sustainable growth for the new company beyond the biosimilar business,” said Peter Seongwon Hong, CEO of Epis NexLab.

“Our long-term goal is to become a leading biotechnology company in next-generation therapeutic technologies and we will be relentless in our efforts to drive this growth, through innovative research and development and strategic investment.”