Celltrion Pharm's 3 biosimilars 24-36% cheaper than originals in Korea

Celltrion Pharm said it has launched three biosimilar products in Korea following the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s pricing notification last Sunday. 

The newly launched biosimilars are Omlyclo (Xolair biosimilar), Steqeyma (Stelara biosimilar), and Eydenzelt (Eylea biosimilar).

Notably, Omlyclo marks the first omalizumab-based biosimilar to be launched in Korea, positioning Celltrion Pharm to secure a foothold in the market.

This biosimilar is prescribed for allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria, with reimbursed prices set at 102,960 won ($76.78) for the 75 mg dose and 195,079 won for the 150 mg dose— approximately 28 percent lower than the original product.

Steqeyma, which received approval in Europe earlier this month following its approval in Korea in June, will be prescribed for all indications covered by the original drug, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

The reimbursed price of the prefilled syringe (PFS) form will be available at 1,298,290 won for the 45 mg/0.5 mL dose and 1,342,320 won for the 90 mg/1 mL dose—about 26 percent less than the price of the original drug.

Eydenzelt, approved in Korea in May, is indicated for the treatment of macular degeneration and visual impairment caused by macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. The reimbursed price for the 11.32 mg/0.283 mL dose is set at 330,000 won, which is approximately 34 percent cheaper than the original product.

Notably, Eydenzelt has undergone additional stability testing, extending its shelf life to 36 months from the date of manufacture.

Celltrion Pharm anticipates that the launch of these products will not only strengthen its presence in the autoimmune disease treatment market but also allow it to break into new markets for allergic and ophthalmic diseases.

“We are committed to ensuring that these products quickly gain a foothold in the market through their competitive edge and targeted market strategies,” a Celltrion Pharm official said.