LG Chem said Wednesday that it has launched Etanercept BS [MA], an Enbrel biosimilar (ingredient: etanercept), in Japan.

Enbrel is one of the most purchased pharmaceuticals worldwide with an estimated $8.87 billion in sales in 2016. It has applications for autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions.

The company’s Etanercept BS [MA] has become the first Enbrel biosimilar launched in Japan. The company released the drug in five dosages -- 10mg and 25mg vials, 25mg and 50mg prefilled syringe, and 50mg pen.

LG Chem signed a contract with Mochida Pharmaceutical in Japan for joint clinical trials and local sales in 2012.

With the contract, the company plans to produce finished products at its Osong plant and supply it to Mochida Pharmaceutical. From there, Mochida Pharmaceutical intends to distribute the drug to Ayumi Pharmaceutical, which signed a sales agreement with Mochida Pharmaceutical. Ayumi Pharmaceutical has an extensive sales network in the field of rheumatoid arthritis treatment and takes the largest share in the Japanese market for rheumatoid arthritis.

“We will contribute to enhancing accessibility and improved quality of life for rheumatoid arthritis patients with our steady supply of superior quality products,” said Son Jee-woong, head of LG Chem's Life Science Business Division.