Celltrion’s biosimilar product lineup continues to gain market share in Europe.
According to IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm, the biosimilar Omlyclo, launched in Europe last September, captured approximately 16% of the market in the first quarter of this year.
In Spain, part of the European Union 5 (EU5), it achieved a remarkable 71% market share, establishing itself as a key treatment in the local omalizumab market within just six months of its debut.
The drug’s success is spreading to other European countries, with rapid prescription growth in Portugal (47%), Ireland (41%), and Norway (31%). This success can be attributed to first-mover advantages and tailored direct sales strategies implemented by local subsidiaries.
Omlyclo, a treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria, became the first omalizumab biosimilar to receive approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in May 2022, launching in Europe last September.
Meanwhile, Vegzelma (bevacizumab), used to treat metastatic colorectal and breast cancers, maintains a strong market presence. It held about 28% of the European market share during the same period, leading the bevacizumab market for 21 consecutive months.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given Vegzelma’s late market entry and the fierce competition from over ten other biosimilars. Its sustained leadership underscores Celltrion’s competitive edge in direct sales.
Vegzelma’s recent inclusion in major U.S. pharmacy benefit managers’ formularies, such as ESI and Optum, signals its recognition in both key global markets and positions it as a potential driver of Celltrion’s future revenue growth.
In the autoimmune disease sector, Celltrion’s products continue to perform strongly. Yuflyma (adalimumab) has maintained its position as the top-prescribed adalimumab in Europe for a year, with approximately 22% market share. It’s particularly successful in influential EU5 countries like the UK (49%) and Italy (46%).
The high-revenue follow-up product STEQEYMA (ustekinumab) has captured about 9% of the market share and shows consistent quarterly growth. It’s gaining traction in countries like Portugal (41%), Sweden (28%), and Italy (20%). The company is leveraging product synergies through bundling strategies with other autoimmune disease treatments, which is expected to accelerate market share growth.
To maximize the performance of its high-revenue product line, Celltrion plans to expand its local sales force and enhance its sales capabilities. The company will also intensify its marketing efforts targeting key opinion leaders by participating in major global conferences such as the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW).
Celltrion anticipates steeper growth for its high-revenue follow-up products by year-end, driven by factors unique to the European pharmaceutical market. These include concentrated bids in major European countries during the second and third quarters, initial stock arrivals based on order results, and increased year-end drug inventory purchases compared to the beginning of the year.
A Celltrion spokesperson stated that the high-revenue follow-up products, including Omlyclo, are improving prescription rates across Europe, expanding the market influence and strengthening the portfolio. With major bids continuing in key countries, it’s committed to achieving both sales expansion and performance growth in the second half of the year.
