Input 2021.02.22 16:15 | Revision 2021.02.22 16:18
“Expanding the market share of biosimilars such as Remsima in the European and American markets”
“Continuous growth through global supply of Corona 19 treatment and the establishment of a 3rd factory”
In the fourth quarter of last year, sales amounted to 4987 billion won and operating profit of 16.4 billion won, up 30.3% and 44.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.
Celltrion explained, “Amid the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19), the biosimilar (bio-replicating drug) product line expanded and the European and US market share continued to grow, achieving good results.”
As of the third quarter of last year, the share of flagship products in the European market accounted for Remsima 52.8%, Truxima 38%, and Herzuma 15.9%. As of the fourth quarter, the US market also grew to 11.8% for Remsima and 19.8% for Truxima.
Remsima changed the formulation of the world’s first autoimmune disease treatment drug’Infliximab’ subcutaneous injection from intravenous to subcutaneous injection. Celltrion said, “As the patient can inject directly at the desired location without visiting the hospital, the future prospects are bright as the convenience of treatment has been greatly improved.”
Celltrion obtained approval to sell’Uplasma’, a high-concentration biosimilar for’Humira’, an autoimmune disease treatment from the European Commission (EC) this month. With more than five biosimilars undergoing global phase 3 clinical trials, the company plans to obtain approvals from health authorities around the world for one or more products every year by 2030.
This year, the company will also promote overseas approval of the new coronavirus infectious disease (Corona 19) antibody treatment drug “Rekironaju”, increase the market share of Remsima, and establish a third factory.
In the case of Rekirona, it plans to apply for emergency use or conditional permission in the US and Europe to obtain a sales permit within the first half of the year. Celltrion has completed the production of therapeutics for 100,000 domestic patients, and plans to produce 1.5 to 3 million additional doses per year depending on demand. The new antibody treatment system to counter the mutant virus is expected to finish phase 2 clinical trials in South Africa within 5 months and produce results.
In November last year, the construction of the 3rd factory and the Global Biotechnology Research Center, which started construction on the site in the Songdo New City, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, will be in full swing. The third plant is scheduled to be completed in May 2023 and the research center is scheduled to be completed in July next year. The third plant is scheduled to start commercial production from June 2024, and upon completion, Celltrion will secure a production facility with a total annual output of 250,000 liters in addition to the existing 1st and 2nd factories 190,000 liters.
An official from Celltrion said, “This year, we will continue to grow as a global biotechnology company, as we are in full-scale development and supply of follow-up biosimilars, such as the global supply of Corona 19 antibody treatment and the Humira biosimilar U Plaima.”