Celltrion is reinforcing its influence in Italy, one of Europe’s top five pharmaceutical markets, through successful bids for autoimmune disease treatments and oncology drugs. The Italian branch of Celltrion announced on August 12th that after securing a contract earlier this year to supply its autoimmune disease treatment 'Steqeyma' (active ingredient: ustekinumab) in bids from four regional governments, it has recently achieved additional contract wins in the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Sardinia regions.
With these wins, Celltrion secured contracts in seven regions in the first half of this year alone, and plans to supply these areas with products until May next year. Since its introduction to the Italian market in January, Steqeyma is expected to rapidly gain market foothold through these expanded bids.
Moreover, Celltrion's flagship products 'Remsima' (IV and SC) are performing well. Remsima was awarded the infliximab bid in the Umbria region, and Remsima SC successfully renewed its contract in the Apulia region, extending its supply until May 2027. Notably, Sardinia saw the first standalone bid for the subcutaneous injection form of infliximab, resulting in Remsima SC being sold in all 20 regions across Italy. According to market research firm IQVIA, as of the first quarter this year, Remsima IV and SC account for a combined market share of 66%, dominating the infliximab market.
Celltrion's adalimumab product 'Yuflyma' is sold in the Lazio and Umbria regions, slated for supply over the next 2 to 3 years. Despite being a latecomer, it has captured over half of the market with a 52% share.
In oncology, 'Truxima' (rituximab) and 'Vegzelma' (bevacizumab) have won bids in the Lazio and Umbria regions, supplying since the first half of the year. 'Herzuma' (trastuzumab) also maintains a stable market share of 29%, with all three products retaining high prescription rankings. Additional bids are expected in the second half of the year, indicating an expansion in oncology drug supply.
Since establishing its direct sales system in Italy in 2020, Celltrion has engaged in customized marketing based on networks with local bidding agencies and medical professionals, flexible pricing policies, and stable supply. The company plans to launch new biosimilars in the second half to expand its high-profit product line, thereby supporting prescription growth and increasing sales.
Woo Sik Yoo, head of Celltrion's Italian branch, stated, "We are expanding our contracts in both autoimmune disease treatments and oncology by building trust with the local medical community. We aim to sustain the growth of our product portfolio through new product launches and bidding performances."
