Samsung Bioepis is reportedly considering acquiring the biosimilar division of Biogen, according to industry sources Wednesday.

Biogen put its biosimilar division up for sale to focus on developing new drugs, including Alzheimer's disease treatment Leqembi, earlier this year.

If Samsung Bioepis decides to acquire Biogen's biosimilar unit, it will give the company a direct distribution and sales network in the U.S. and EU markets.

Samsung Bioepis sells its products through local partners, such as Biogen and Organon, in major markets.

"The biggest advantage of a direct sales system is that there is no need to share profits with partners," an industry watcher told Korea Biomedical Review. "Samsung Bioepis' competitor, Celltrion, has also been working hard to establish a direct sales network worldwide."

Unlike Celltrion, which has been building its direct sales network on its own, acquiring a company with an existing sales network can save the hassle of setting up everything from the beginning stage, which can save both time and money, he added.

A Samsung Bioepis official said that the company is not in a position to comment on the matter.

"Samsung Bioepis has always been reviewing various business strategies to boost the company's growth and is focusing on developing its biosimilar portfolio," the official said.