Celltrion's Remsima Tops Japanese Infliximab Prescriptions After 11 Years Since Launch

48% Market Share in Japan as of July
Results of Robust Sales and Marketing Efforts
Targeting Launch of SC Formulation in 2027

Celltrion's autoimmune disease treatment 'Remsima' (ingredient: infliximab) has ranked number one in prescriptions for the first time ever in the Japanese infliximab market. Analysts attribute this result to Celltrion's dual strategy of utilizing both local distribution networks and direct sales in Japan, where the difference in patient copayments between original drugs and biosimilars is not significant.

Product image of Celltrion's 'Remsima'. Celltrion

According to pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA and local data on September 17, Remsima recorded a 48% market share in the Japanese infliximab market in July, surpassing the original product to take first place in prescriptions. This achievement comes nearly 11 years after its launch in Japan in April 2015.

Currently, there are four products competing in the Japanese infliximab market. In Japan, it is difficult to expand market share with price competitiveness alone, as the difference in patient copayment between original drugs and biosimilars is minimal. Therefore, factors such as clinical and prescription data, brand recognition, and sales and marketing capabilities are considered key elements influencing actual prescriptions.

Taking these market characteristics into account, Celltrion selected Nippon Kayaku, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, as its local distribution partner to sell Remsima. Since the end of 2017, its Japanese subsidiary has also participated in direct sales, employing a 'two-track' sales strategy that utilizes both the local partner and its own sales organization.

Expanding the autoimmune product lineup is also expected to contribute to increased prescriptions for Remsima. In Japan, Celltrion currently sells four autoimmune disease treatments: Remsima, adalimumab biosimilar 'Yuflyma', tocilizumab biosimilar 'Aptozuma', and ustekinumab biosimilar 'Stekima'.

As of July this year, Yuflyma holds a 21% market share in Japan, maintaining its position as the number one prescribed adalimumab biosimilar. Aptozuma has also achieved a market share of around 10% among intravenous (IV) formulations. Since the major prescribing physicians for these products often overlap, Celltrion plans to expand prescriptions by utilizing multi-product sales and marketing strategies.

The subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Remsima is also in preparation. Celltrion's Japanese subsidiary is currently undertaking preliminary work with the goal of launching Remsima SC in Japan in 2027. Once Remsima SC is released, it is expected that, alongside the existing IV formulation, it will broaden choices for both patient treatment environments and preferences.

Ho-Ung Kim, Vice President of Celltrion Global Sales Division, stated, "Remsima achieving the number one market share in Japan 11 years after its launch is the result of a customized sales strategy tailored to the local pharmaceutical environment and the capabilities of local staff who have accumulated extensive market experience over the years. We expect the growth momentum of the Remsima product line to further accelerate when Remsima SC launches next year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.