Celltrion's autoimmune disease treatment, Remsima (ingredient name infliximab), has become the first biosimilar to achieve the top prescription spot in Japan's infliximab market, surpassing original products. This milestone comes approximately 11 years after its launch in Japan in 2015.
According to data from IQVIA and local sources on September 17, Remsima captured a 48% market share in Japan's infliximab market as of July, securing the number one prescription position. Currently, there are four products competing in the Japanese infliximab market, with Remsima holding the highest share.
In Japan, the difference in out-of-pocket costs between original drugs and biosimilars is minimal, making it challenging to expand market share solely through price competition. As a result, clinical and prescription data, product awareness, corporate brand value, and sales and marketing capabilities are considered key factors influencing actual prescriptions.
To address these market characteristics, Celltrion has partnered with Japanese pharmaceutical company Nippon Kayaku for local distribution of Remsima. Since late 2017, Celltrion's Japanese subsidiary has participated directly in sales, implementing a dual-track sales strategy that utilizes both local partners and its own sales organization.
Kim Ho-woong, Vice President of Celltrion's Global Sales Division, stated, "Achieving the number one market share in Japan after 11 years of Remsima's launch is a result of a tailored sales strategy considering the local pharmaceutical environment and the capabilities of our experienced local workforce."
The increase in Remsima prescriptions is also believed to be influenced by Celltrion's expansion of its autoimmune disease product lineup in Japan. In addition to Remsima, Celltrion sells four autoimmune disease products in Japan, including the adalimumab biosimilar Yuflyma, the tocilizumab biosimilar Aptozma, and the ustekinumab biosimilar Stekima.
As of July, Yuflyma held a 21% market share, maintaining the top prescription position among adalimumab biosimilars. Aptozma has also recorded approximately 10% market share based on intravenous (IV) formulations. Celltrion plans to leverage overlapping prescribers of these products to expand prescriptions through integrated sales and marketing efforts.
Celltrion is also preparing to launch a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Remsima. The Japanese subsidiary aims to release Remsima SC in 2027, which is expected to provide patients with more treatment options based on their preferences and treatment environments alongside the existing IV formulation.
Kim added, "We expect that the launch of Remsima SC next year will further strengthen the growth trajectory of the Remsima product line."
According to data from IQVIA and local sources on September 17, Remsima captured a 48% market share in Japan's infliximab market as of July, securing the number one prescription position. Currently, there are four products competing in the Japanese infliximab market, with Remsima holding the highest share.
In Japan, the difference in out-of-pocket costs between original drugs and biosimilars is minimal, making it challenging to expand market share solely through price competition. As a result, clinical and prescription data, product awareness, corporate brand value, and sales and marketing capabilities are considered key factors influencing actual prescriptions.
To address these market characteristics, Celltrion has partnered with Japanese pharmaceutical company Nippon Kayaku for local distribution of Remsima. Since late 2017, Celltrion's Japanese subsidiary has participated directly in sales, implementing a dual-track sales strategy that utilizes both local partners and its own sales organization.
Kim Ho-woong, Vice President of Celltrion's Global Sales Division, stated, "Achieving the number one market share in Japan after 11 years of Remsima's launch is a result of a tailored sales strategy considering the local pharmaceutical environment and the capabilities of our experienced local workforce."
The increase in Remsima prescriptions is also believed to be influenced by Celltrion's expansion of its autoimmune disease product lineup in Japan. In addition to Remsima, Celltrion sells four autoimmune disease products in Japan, including the adalimumab biosimilar Yuflyma, the tocilizumab biosimilar Aptozma, and the ustekinumab biosimilar Stekima.
As of July, Yuflyma held a 21% market share, maintaining the top prescription position among adalimumab biosimilars. Aptozma has also recorded approximately 10% market share based on intravenous (IV) formulations. Celltrion plans to leverage overlapping prescribers of these products to expand prescriptions through integrated sales and marketing efforts.
Celltrion is also preparing to launch a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Remsima. The Japanese subsidiary aims to release Remsima SC in 2027, which is expected to provide patients with more treatment options based on their preferences and treatment environments alongside the existing IV formulation.
Kim added, "We expect that the launch of Remsima SC next year will further strengthen the growth trajectory of the Remsima product line."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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