(Health Korea News / Lee Chang-yong) Sandoz, a marketing partner of Samsung Bioepis, announced on the 26th that it had launched the Stelara biosimilar ‘Pyzchiva’ (ingredient name: ustekinumab) in Europe.
Stelara, the original drug of ‘Pizcheeva’, is a treatment for autoimmune diseases such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis developed by Janssen. Its annual global sales amount to approximately KRW 14 trillion (USD 10.858 billion).
With the launch of ‘Fiztiba’ through Sandoz, Samsung Bioepis has launched its eighth product (four autoimmune disease treatments, two anticancer drugs, one ophthalmic disease treatment, and one blood/kidney disease treatment) in the European market. Following the three existing autoimmune disease treatments (Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira biosimilars) tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, the company has further expanded its autoimmune disease treatment portfolio by launching an interleukin inhibitor in the European market.
“Expanding access to safe, effective and affordable medicines can improve the quality of life for millions of people living with chronic inflammatory diseases,” said Rebecca Guntern, President, Sandoz Europe. “Our goal is to ensure that patients across Europe have access to medicines that can transform their lives.”
Samsung Bioepis and Sandoz signed a partnership agreement in September last year to sell ‘Piztiba’ in North America and Europe.
Samsung Bioepis obtained approval for ‘Pizchiva’ in Korea and Europe in April, and in the United States in June. ‘Pizchiva’ was launched in Korea in July under the product name ‘Epiztec’.
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