LG Chem said Friday that it has received sales approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for LBEC0101 (Original: Enbrel), a rheumatoid arthritis biosimilar.

The treatment is the first etanercept biosimilar to receive sales approval in Japan.

The company has been preparing to enter the Japanese market after signing a joint research and development, and a local sales contract with Mochida Pharmaceutical, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, in 2012.

Mochida Pharmaceutical plans to sell the drug, manufactured at LG Chem's Osong plant, jointly with Ayumi Pharmaceutical, a local pharmaceutical company with strong sales in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

“The company will work closely with its partners to expand LBEC0101’s presence in Japan as fast as possible,” said Son Jee-woong, head of LG Chem's Life Science Business Division. “The company plans to contribute to improving the quality of life and reducing the economic burden of people with rheumatoid arthritis.”