Celltrion is launching the autoimmune disease treatment 'Stelkimab' (ingredient name: ustekinumab) and the allergy treatment 'Omriclo' (omalizumab) in Australia, intensifying its market penetration efforts. The company plans to maximize growth by strengthening its portfolio in the Oceania region, including Australia and New Zealand.

On the 4th, Celltrion announced that Stelkimab and Omriclo were officially launched in the Australian market, being sold by Celltrion Australia and local distribution partner Arrotex Pharmaceuticals. This is part of a tailored sales strategy considering the characteristics of the Australian market, with both companies responsible for sales.

The intention is to minimize blind spots and enhance the sales network by concentrating marketing capabilities on the supply channels each distributor specializes in. The actual sales method varies depending on the product type. Products used in hospitals are supplied through a bidding process, while self-administered products are sold through sales activities targeting pharmacies and other outlets. Celltrion Australia plans to strengthen cooperation with key stakeholders to improve bidding performance and focus on expanding the sales network through active sales activities.

Australia is notably one of the markets actively implementing a biosimilar support system. Celltrion aims to accelerate market expansion in line with these local industry characteristics. The Australian government is seeking to alleviate financial burdens through the prescription of biosimilars, which are relatively lower in price. Consequently, various support policies are in place to encourage the use of biosimilars, such as simplifying approval procedures.

Celltrion's portfolio is reportedly showing balanced growth in the Australian market. According to pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA, as of the first quarter of this year, the market share of the Remsima product line (Inflectra, Remsima SC) in Australia was approximately 57%, a figure that overwhelms competing products. Particularly, the subcutaneous injection Remsima SC (infliximab) recorded a 27% market share as a single item. Positive evaluations regarding prescription and ease of use from local medical professionals suggest that growth is expected to be more pronounced in the future. Additionally, oncology drugs such as Herzuma (trastuzumab) at 56% and Truxima (rituximab) at 17% are also making their presence felt in the Australian market. The performance in New Zealand, a major country in the Oceania region alongside Australia, is also noteworthy. Since its launch in New Zealand in 2022, Herzuma has been successfully winning consecutive bids for trastuzumab government tenders. From last year to the first quarter of this year, Herzuma has dominated the market in New Zealand with a market share close to 100%. Celltrion New Zealand plans to enhance prescription performance by actively utilizing synergies among oncology drugs with the new launch of Vegzelma (bevacizumab) in March.

Celltrion intends to reinforce its attack on the Oceania market by introducing follow-up products. Next year, the company plans to launch 'Stovoklo-Osenbelt' (denosumab) and 'Aptozuma' (tocilizumab). The company aims to focus on the early market establishment of new products based on the reliability and preference for existing products and to further strengthen the influence of the Celltrion brand within the Oceania region.

Kim Ji-tae, Head of Celltrion's Southern Asia Division, stated, “Existing products are increasing prescription performance in the Australian pharmaceutical market,” and added, “Based on a tailored sales strategy considering the institutional environment and market characteristics of Australia and New Zealand, we will enhance patient accessibility to Celltrion products and continuously strengthen our portfolio by introducing follow-up products.”

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