Samsung Bioepis to launch Stelara biosimilar 40% cheaper than original

Samsung Bioepis announced its plans to launch Epyztek (ingredient: ustekinumab), a biosimilar product referencing Janssen's Stelara, in July. Epyztek will be priced 40 percent cheaper than the original.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's notice on Wednesday, Epyztek's price will be at 1,298,290 won ($936) for a 45mg/0.5ml pre-filled syringe from July, which is approximately 40 percent less than the original drug (2,182,000 won).

Samsung Bioepis plans to market it directly without partnering with another company.

Stelara, originally developed by Janssen, is used for treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It functions by inhibiting the activity of interleukin (IL)-12/23, a cytokine involved in autoimmune inflammation.

According to Johnson & Johnson, it is one of the highest-grossing biopharmaceuticals in the world, with the drug generating approximately $10.8 billion in 2023. In Korea, data from IQVIA, a drug market research firm, show that the drug generated 41.6 billion won ($30 million) in sales in Korea in 2023.

With the launch of Epyztek, Samsung Bioepis now offers a total of nine biosimilar products in Korea, with five being sold directly by the company.

"The launch of Epyztek will provide diverse treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases and help address unmet medical needs while contributing to national healthcare cost savings," a company official said.