Celltrion Pharmaceuticals Launches Three Biosimilar Products in Korea
Expanding Market Share with Affordable Treatment Options
Celltrion Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of three biosimilar products in Korea, following the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s drug price announcement. The biosimilars, Omriclor, Stekimar, and Idenselt, are expected to provide domestic patients with affordable treatment options for various diseases.
Omriclor: A Biosimilar for Allergy Treatment
Omriclor, a biosimilar for the allergy treatment Xolair, was approved as a ‘first mover’ in Europe and Korea in May and June, respectively. This product is prescribed for allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria, and is available in two doses: 75 mg and 150 mg. The prices for these doses are 102,960 won and 195,079 won, respectively, which is approximately 28% discounted from the original product.
Stekimar: A Biosimilar for Autoimmune Disease Treatment
Stekimar, a biosimilar for the autoimmune disease treatment Stelara, obtained approval in Europe this month, following its domestic approval in June. This product is prescribed for all indications (full label) of the original drug, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC). The drug prices for the two doses of prefilled syringe (PFS) formulations, 45 mg/0.5 ml and 90 mg/1 ml, are 1,298,290 won and 1,342,320 won, respectively, which is approximately 26% cheaper than the original product.
Idenselt: A Biosimilar for Ophthalmology Treatment
Idenselt, a biosimilar for the ophthalmology treatment Eylea, was approved in Korea last May. This product is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, vision loss caused by macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion, vision loss caused by diabetic macular edema, and vision loss caused by choroidal neovascularization due to pathological myopia. The drug price based on the 11.32 mg/0.283 ml capacity is 330,000 won, which is approximately 34% cheaper than the original product.
Strengthening Market Presence
With the launch of these products, Celltrion Pharmaceuticals is strengthening its existing autoimmune disease treatment area and opening up new markets such as allergic diseases and ophthalmic diseases. The company is providing treatment benefits to patients at a relatively lower price compared to the original product.
Customized Market Penetration
Celltrion Pharmaceuticals is accelerating customized market penetration by conducting product-specific academic conferences targeting medical professionals to expand market share. The company is also conducting marketing with strategic partners specializing in sales for each disease.
A Stronger Influence in the Domestic Biosimilar Market
A Celltrion official stated, “Following autoimmune disease treatments and anticancer drugs, we have rapidly expanded our product portfolio to include allergy and ophthalmic disease treatments, enabling us to exert a stronger influence in the domestic biosimilar market.” The official added, “We will do our best to ensure that our products can quickly settle into the market through product competitiveness and customized market strategies.”
About Celltrion Pharmaceuticals
Celltrion Pharmaceuticals is a leading biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures innovative biosimilar products. With a strong commitment to providing affordable treatment options, the company is dedicated to improving the lives of patients worldwide.
