Samsung C&T and Samsung Electronics have entered into a binding Letter of Intent with GRAIL, Inc. to collaborate on bringing GRAIL’s Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test to key Asian markets. As part of the agreement, Samsung C&T and Samsung Electronics will invest $110 million in GRAIL at $70.05 per share.
Jaywoo Kim, Executive Vice President of Life Science Business at Samsung C&T, stated, “Guided by its commitment to advancing next-generation bio-technologies and improving quality of life, Samsung C&T has continuously invested in innovative companies. The collaboration with GRAIL represents a significant new step—moving beyond investment to a strategic business partnership that provides Samsung with a strong foothold for expanding into the cancer screening field and delivering one of these promising technologies to customers in South Korea and across Asia.”
The collaboration is subject to the execution of definitive agreements, which are expected to be finalized in early 2026. Initially, the Galleri tests will be performed in GRAIL’s clinical laboratory in North Carolina. Samsung C&T will serve as the exclusive partner for commercializing the Galleri test in South Korea, with the possibility of expanding to other Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore.
Sir Harpal Kumar, President, International Business & Biopharma at GRAIL, commented, “We look forward to partnering with Samsung to bring multi-cancer early detection to Asia, beginning in South Korea. Samsung’s significant equity investment strengthens our balance sheet and provides further cash runway as we advance through key milestones to secure reimbursement for Galleri in the U.S. and key international markets.”
Samsung Electronics and GRAIL also plan to explore additional collaborations, including research projects that combine genomic and lifestyle data and the integration of Samsung’s health data platform with GRAIL’s technologies.
Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “Our investment in and strategic cooperation with GRAIL is part of our vision to improve the health of billions of people. A potential collaboration with GRAIL could allow for the integration of our AI, our digital care platform, and device ecosystem with GRAIL’s clinical genetic data and technology, which could allow us to provide a level of personalization for our users to help them better understand their health.”
The terms of the collaboration are outlined in term sheets and are subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The investment is expected to close in early 2026. In South Korea and potentially Japan and Singapore, GRAIL will work exclusively with Samsung C&T as its distributor for the Galleri test.
GRAIL’s Galleri test is designed to detect more than 50 types of cancer through a blood draw before symptoms appear. The test is intended for adults at elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. It is meant to be used alongside standard cancer screenings. The Galleri test is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but is regulated under CLIA for high-complexity testing.
Legal advisors for the transaction included Latham & Watkins for GRAIL and Covington & Burling, BKL, and E&Y Han Young (Korea) for Samsung. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to GRAIL.