Celltrion announced on the 16th that its oncology biosimilar products are continuing to hold the No. 1 market share in Japan.

According to pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA and local data, as of December last year, the market share in Japan of metastatic colorectal cancer and breast cancer treatment “Vegzelma” (ingredient: bevacizumab) was recorded at 58%. In a market where a total of five products, including the originator Avastin, compete, Vegzelma’s share exceeded the combined share of the other four competing products.

Breast and gastric cancer treatment “Herzuma” (ingredient: trastuzumab) posted a 76% market share over the same period. After its launch in Japan in 2019, Herzuma obtained approval for the tri-weekly regimen in August of that year, and since first surpassing the market share of originator Herceptin in the second quarter of 2021, it has maintained the No. 1 position in prescriptions for about four and a half years.

The Japanese DPC (Diagnosis Procedure Combination) reimbursement system is cited as a key factor behind these results. Under this system, medical institutions can earn additional profit equivalent to the savings generated by using lower-priced medicines, while both the government and patients can reduce reimbursements and out-of-pocket expenses respectively, creating a strong incentive to prescribe biosimilars.

Treatments for autoimmune diseases are also performing well in Japan. “Remsima” (ingredient: infliximab) and “Yuflyma” (ingredient: adalimumab) each ranked No. 1 in prescription volume among biosimilars of their respective ingredients, with market shares of 43% and 17%. Notably, Yuflyma achieved the top spot despite being the last to launch among five adalimumab products in the Japanese market.

Following the launch of “Steqima” (ingredient: ustekinumab) in Japan last August, Celltrion plans to introduce “Aptozma” (ingredient: tocilizumab) in the second quarter of this year. This will expand its portfolio of autoimmune disease products in Japan to four.

Kim Ho-woong, Executive Vice President of Celltrion’s Global Sales Division, said, “The implementation of sales strategies tailored to the characteristics of the local market has translated into tangible results,” adding, “The company will make every effort to ensure that Aptozma and subsequent pipeline products also achieve early market leadership.”

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