Celltrion said on the 28th that its autoimmune disease treatment "Aptozuma" (ingredient name tocilizumab) has been launched in Japan.
Aptozuma is a biosimilar of "Actemra," developed by Switzerland's Roche, and won marketing approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in September last year. At the time of approval, it was cleared for major indications held by the original drug, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), Castleman disease (CD), and cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
Celltrion's Japan subsidiary plans to sell the product directly. Before the launch, it introduced clinical data and product characteristics to medical professionals at the "70th Japan College of Rheumatology."
Celltrion is maintaining steady sales in Japan's autoimmune disease market. "Remsima" (Infliximab) and "Yuflyma" (adalimumab) each hold market shares of 44% and 19%, while "Steqeyma" (ustekinumab), launched in August last year, is also continuing to grow.
With this launch, the number of autoimmune disease products in Japan has expanded to four. The company plans to continue marketing to local medical institutions based on its product portfolio.
Along with this, "OMLYCLO" (Omalizumab), which received marketing approval in Japan in March this year, is being prepared for a launch in the second half. The company is also considering the entry of the infliximab subcutaneous (SC) formulation treatment "Remsima SC" into Japan.
A Celltrion official said, "With the launch of Aptozuma expanding our autoimmune disease product portfolio in Japan to four, we expect stronger synergies among products and enhanced business competitiveness," adding, "We will leverage the experience and sales base accumulated through existing product sales to supply Aptozuma stably and strengthen our foothold in the Japanese market."