Celltrion’s autoimmune disease treatment, Remsima (infliximab), has claimed the top spot in Japan’s infliximab market, surpassing original medications nearly 11 years after its launch.
On Thursday, Celltrion reported that Remsima captured a 48% market share in Japan as of July this year, based on data from pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA and local sources.
Remsima, a biosimilar of infliximab, is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It has outperformed original products since its Japanese debut in April 2015.
In Japan, the company notes, factors beyond price influence prescriptions. These include clinical and prescription data, brand recognition, and marketing prowess, as out-of-pocket cost differences between original drugs and biosimilars are minimal.
Celltrion partners with local pharmaceutical firm Nippon Kayaku to distribute Remsima. Since late 2017, Celltrion’s Japanese subsidiary has also engaged in direct sales, creating a dual-pronged marketing strategy.
Remsima SC, the subcutaneous injection formulation, is gaining traction globally. It generated sales of approximately 356.7 billion KRW (about 258 million USD) in Europe and South Korea in the first half of this year. Including the U.S. product Jimpendra, total sales reached about 456.2 billion KRW (about 330 million USD).
Notably, Remsima’s combined intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations claimed a 70% market share in Europe by the fourth quarter of last year. Celltrion aims to introduce Remsima SC in Japan by 2027, seeking synergy with its existing product line.
Celltrion is expanding its autoimmune disease treatment portfolio in Japan. It currently markets four products: Remsima, Yuflyma (adalimumab), Aptozma (tocilizumab), and SteQeyma (ustekinumab).
Among these, Yuflyma leads biosimilar prescriptions in Japan with a 21% market share, while Aptozma holds about 10% of the IV formulation market.
In oncology, Celltrion is also gaining ground. Herzuma (trastuzumab), for breast and stomach cancers, and Brezelma (bevacizumab), for metastatic colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers, have captured 78% and 64% market shares, respectively.
Kim Ho-woong, Vice President of Celltrion’s Global Sales Division, attributes Remsima’s success to a tailored strategy and strong local team. He anticipates robust growth for the Remsima product line with the upcoming launch of Remsima SC next year.