Celltrion

- Prior to Truxima approvals, discusses launch strategies with major partners and strengthens distribution partnerships

[Nov 25, 2016] Celltrion Healthcare, an affiliate in charge of marketing Celltrion products, has concluded a distribution partnership agreement with Truxima and Herzuma in Europe for follow-up biosimilar, and global partners were invited to events to strengthen the relationship of shared growth.

Celltrion Healthcare has been working with most of its existing overseas partners, such as Mundipharma, Biogaran and Kern which distributed Remsima in Europe, and signed a contract for Truxima and Herzuma for distribution in Europe, with continued cooperation.

Celltrion Healthcare invited about 40 executives of marketing and product education from major overseas partners at Songdo Sheraton Hotel on both the 23rd and 24th of November to promote sales growth of Celltrion's first biosimilar 'Remsima' and global launch plan of second biosimilar 'Truxima'.

Celltrion Healthcare has partnered with these partners to launch antibody biosimilar 'Remsima' to treat autoimmune disease in major European countries since February last year. Next year, the company plans to launch an antibody biosimilar 'Truxima' to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of rheumatoid arthritis and blood cancer, in Europe. Celltrion is applying for permission to sell 'Truxima' to the European Medicines Agency last October and is awaiting approval.

Meanwhile, Celltrion Healthcare presented its latest clinical results for Truxima launch marketing, which is expected to be launched next year. In addition, the company awarded excellent salespeople (MR, Medical Representative) from partner companies who have contributed to Remsima's market position and sales expansion.

Warren Cook, director of the biosimilar business unit at Mundipharma, which is responsible for distribution in major European countries such as the UK, Italy and Germany, said, "We are expecting to obtain approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to sell Truxima in the near future. Also, we are preparing for the early release of Truxima without any hitches, and we plan to launch in Europe sequentially in the first half of next year, beginning with the UK."

A Celltrion Healthcare official said, "Remsima, the first-choice product, has been a major success in Europe as an antibody biosimilar first mover in partnership with market-competitive global partners. We will do our best for Truxima and Herzuma to get the ahead of the competition in the market by working with partners with a strong distribution power."