Celltrion announced on the 23rd that it has completed the launch of 'Steqeyma' (ingredient name ustekinumab), a biosimilar for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, in five European countries: Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France.
Steqeyma was launched in both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations, identical to the original drug Stelara developed by Johnson & Johnson. The SC formulation is available in doses of 45 mg and 90 mg, while the IV formulation is available in a 130 mg dose, totaling three options. The company plans to actively utilize differences in target patient groups for Crohn's disease (CD) and psoriasis (PS) in its marketing.
Celltrion launched Steqeyma in France among key European countries on the 20th of this month (local time). Celltrion's French subsidiary is conducting promotional activities focusing on specialists in inflammatory bowel disease and patients in line with the launch of Steqeyma.
In particular, the company plans to quickly capture the market using the existing network developed through the sales of 'Remsima' (ingredient name infliximab) IV and SC formulations as the prescriptions overlap with 'Uplyma' (ingredient name adalimumab). With observational clinical trials for Steqeyma scheduled for next month, they aim to target the French autoimmune disease market, considering the demand from healthcare professionals.
In another key market, Steqeyma was launched in the United Kingdom on the 2nd of last month. The United Kingdom secured treatment targets, including psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease, as the patent for the indication of ustekinumab for ulcerative colitis was invalidated first.
In particular, Celltrion's UK branch has already completed national health service (NHS) bidding contracts in four administrative regions prior to the launch of Steqeyma, laying the foundation for stable product supply. Supporting research in major hospitals under the NHS, including NHS Foundation Trust at Cambridge University Hospital and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, is expected to help increase local healthcare professionals' awareness and preference for Steqeyma.
This month, Celltrion has also entered the market by launching Steqeyma in Italy and Spain. The company aims to seize the ustekinumab market through tailored sales strategies that consider the characteristics of each country's pharmaceutical market, led by its local subsidiaries for government and hospital bids.
Celltrion plans to rapidly increase prescriptions for Steqeyma utilizing the synergy among its autoimmune disease treatment product lineup. Physicians must prescribe the most suitable treatment based on patient conditions and should switch to other first-line therapies if tolerance or efficacy reduction occurs. Celltrion explained that it can securely guarantee the treatment options for prescribers, as it owns four products for autoimmune diseases, including Steqeyma.
Kim Dong-kyu, president of Celltrion France, noted, "With the trust in the Celltrion brand and the launch of Steqeyma, we now have a portfolio for autoimmune diseases that encompasses tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors to interleukin (IL) inhibitors, increasing local healthcare professionals' and patients' expectations. Since the sales synergy among products is clear, we will actively operate marketing activities from the early stage of the launch to ensure that Steqeyma can establish itself as a main product driving Celltrion's performance growth."