Celltrion applies for Canadian approval of psoriasis biosimilar

South Korean biopharmaceutical company Celltrion announced on the first of the month that it has submitted a marketing authorization application to Health Canada for its biosimilar drug, CT-P55. This new drug is a biosimilar version of Cosentyx (secukinumab), a medication originally developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis.

Cosentyx is a well-established treatment for various autoimmune diseases. It functions as an Interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitor, effectively managing conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The original drug generated substantial revenue for Novartis, with global sales reaching approximately $6.668 billion (around 10 trillion Korean Won) last year.

The application for CT-P55 in Canada marks a significant step for Celltrion in expanding its global presence in the autoimmune disease treatment market. By developing a biosimilar, Celltrion aims to offer a more affordable alternative to the originator biologic, potentially increasing patient access to effective therapies.

Celltrion's move into the Canadian market with this biosimilar underscores the growing importance of these complex biologic medicines and the competitive landscape emerging as patents expire. The company's success in obtaining approval in Canada could pave the way for further international submissions and commercialization efforts for CT-P55.