Celltrion partners with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to enhance IBD awareness in US

Celltrion has embarked on a partnership with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (CCF), the largest patient advocacy group for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the U.S., aiming to boost awareness and improve perceptions of IBD, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

The CCF, a nonprofit organization composed of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), as well as their families, has been a cornerstone in the fight against IBD since its establishment in 1967.

Known for its extensive work over more than five decades, the foundation has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for U.S. IBD patients through various initiatives, including funding clinical trials, educational programs for medical professionals, and policy advocacy.

Celltrion's collaboration with the CCF signifies a strategic move to increase its influence in the American IBD sector and follows the approval of Zymfentra, the world's only subcutaneous (SC) form of infliximab, in the U.S. in October of last year.

Zymfentra, referencing the original drug Remicade, developed by Janssen, is designed to treat a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, adult Crohn's disease and UC. Unlike the original medication, Zymfentra is administered subcutaneously, simplifying patient compliance.

The company has initiated several partnership activities, including an educational program for gastroenterology fellows in New York early this year, aimed at training IBD specialists. Additionally, Celltrion provided staff at the CCF's IBD Help Center with training on its product, Zymfentra, enhancing their ability to assist patients effectively.

Furthermore, during Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week (CCAW) last year, Celltrion actively engaged with the American IBD community by posting on the official CCAW website and the CCF's social media channels.

The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on prescribing practices for Zymfentra, Celltrion's therapeutic offering for IBD, especially in light of the CCF's anticipation of the benefits the treatment can bring to patients.

Celltrion's contribution to the IBD community was recognized at the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress in January held in Las Vegas, organized by the CCF, where the company received the Lucky Seven Alliance Award, which is awarded to entities that contribute significantly to the health improvement of IBD patients.

“IBD patients struggle to lead a normal life due to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding,” CCF President and CEO Michael Osso said. “We look forward to working with Celltrion to bring new treatment options to IBD patients in the U.S. with the launch of Zympentra.”

A Celltrion official said, “IBD patients and their families recognize and expect Zympentra to be a highly competitive product, and we believe that Celltrion's expanded reach through its partnership with CCF will further increase Zympentra preference.”

The company will continue to collaborate with CCF and other leading IBD patient organizations in the U.S. to improve the quality of life for IBD patients, he added.