Seoul: Celltrion Inc., a major South Korean biopharmaceutical company, has announced the launch of its biosimilar Avtozma for treating autoimmune diseases in three European nations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the launches in Germany, Spain, and France come after the approval from local authorities last year for both the intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations of Avtozma. Celltrion has revealed plans to also introduce the drug in Britain and Italy. Notably, the IV formulation of Avtozma was launched in the United States in October.

A company official stated, "The company aims to rapidly expand its presence in the global autoimmune disease biosimilar market for tocilizumab-based products, leveraging its brand recognition and sales experience in Europe."

The global market for Actemra, Avtozma's reference drug developed by Switzerland's Roche, is projected to be valued at 4.5 trillion won (US$3.14 billion) in 2024. Celltrion has been expanding its global biosimilar portfolio, increasing the number of approved products from six to 11, with an aim to commercialize 18 biosimilars by 2030 and 41 by 2038.

Celltrion's only original drug, Zymfentra, is currently sold in the United States for treating autoimmune diseases. The same product is marketed as Remsima SC in Europe and other regions. The company projects its annual operating profit will exceed 1 trillion won for the first time in 2025, driven by strong sales of flagship biosimilars, including Remsima SC, Steqeyma, Yuflyma, and Vegzelma.