Celltrion Healthcare launches Remsima SC in Brazil

South Korean biopharmaceutical company Celltrion Healthcare Co. revealed on Monday its introduction of Remsima SC, a treatment for autoimmune diseases, in Brazil, the largest pharmaceutical market in Latin America. 

The company received approval from the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) for the sale of Remsima SC in November last year and has since completed essential launch preparation activities, including drug price registration.

The treatment, which contains the active ingredient infliximab, will be sold directly in Brazil, alongside existing products Remsima and Truxima, which contain rituximab. As part of its market establishment strategy, Celltrion Healthcare has expanded its local commercial staff to around 30 members.

With Brazil accounting for more than half of the Latin American pharmaceutical market, Celltrion Healthcare plans to engage key stakeholders such as government officials, doctors, and patient associations early in the launch. The firm aims to promote market establishment through tailored marketing efforts.

In anticipation of the launch, Celltrion Healthcare's Brazil corporation hosted a commemorative event in Sao Paulo on May 18. Attendees, including inflammatory bowel disease experts, were introduced to the effectiveness and safety of Remsima SC, demonstrated through real-world data and European prescription expansion status.

During the event, it was highlighted that Remsima SC is the only infliximab formulation available as a subcutaneous injection, offering improved convenience for patients and more efficient use of medical resources. The feedback from attendees was largely positive.

With Remsima achieving an 84% market share in Brazil last year and Truxima securing over 70%, Celltrion Healthcare anticipates that the launch of Remsima SC will lead to rapid growth in major global markets, especially in Europe.

In Europe, patients prescribed competing infliximab drugs have been switching to Remsima and undergoing maintenance therapy with Remsima SC, resulting in rising market shares for both products. The company expects a similar synergy effect in Brazil.

"We plan to roll out Remsima SC in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, where we have established local corporation, in the second half of this year, starting with Brazil," head of Celltrion Healthcare's Latin America region Kang Kyung-doo said. "By harnessing the expertise of our commercial teams in each country for direct sales, we aim to successfully establish our market presence and enhance prescription rates across Latin America."

Write to Jeong Min Nam at peux@hankyung.com