Celltrion is making waves in Japan, a key pharmaceutical market in Asia, with its cancer treatment products showing remarkable prescription results.
Data from IQVIA, a leading pharmaceutical market research firm, reveals that as of December last year, Celltrion’s metastatic colorectal and breast cancer treatment Vegzelma (bevacizumab) captured an impressive 58% market share in Japan.
Vegzelma’s success builds on the earlier triumph of Herzuma (trastuzumab), a treatment for breast and stomach cancer. During the same period, Herzuma dominated the Japanese market with a staggering 76% share, solidifying its position as the go-to prescription.
Since its Japanese debut in 2019, Herzuma has seen steady growth in prescriptions, particularly after securing approval for a three-week dosing regimen in August of that year.
Celltrion’s success extends beyond cancer treatments to autoimmune disease therapies in Japan. Remsima (infliximab) and Yuflyma (adalimumab) have emerged as the top-prescribed biosimilars in their categories, boasting market shares of 43% and 17%, respectively.
The company’s winning streak in Japan shows no signs of slowing down. The launch of SteQeyma (ustekinumab) last August has bolstered Celltrion’s product portfolio, creating powerful marketing synergies. Looking ahead, the firm plans to introduce Avtozma (tocilizumab), another autoimmune disease treatment, to the Japanese market in the second quarter of this year, further expanding its high-revenue product line.
Kim Ho-woong, Vice President of Celltrion’s Global Sales Division, expressed confidence in the company’s performance: The flagship products continue to lead in prescriptions across Japan, a crucial Asian market, earning high trust from both physicians and patients. It is committed to ensuring the upcoming high-revenue products, spearheaded by Avtozma, will quickly secure a strong market presence.
