Celltrion speeds up European expansion, capturing 90% market share for Omclow in Spain

Celltrion is accelerating its European market strategy, focusing on Spain and Portugal with its key biosimilar products. The company announced that its treatment for chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergic asthma, 'Omclow' (omalizumab), is estimated to hold over 90% market share in Spain as of June.

Omclow was selected as the supplier for omalizumab in tenders held by four Spanish regions, Catalonia, Basque Country, Asturias, and Valencia, in the first half of the year. Sales have rapidly increased due to these regional selections and growing prescriptions from individual hospitals. Celltrion attributes Omclow's success to its 150mg auto-injector formulation, which differs from the original product, catering to diverse patient and healthcare provider needs. Additionally, a longer shelf life and proven room-temperature stability compared to the original drug have boosted its market penetration.

Celltrion is also strengthening its direct sales and marketing efforts in Spain. The Spanish subsidiary is actively informing healthcare professionals and pharmacists about Omclow's formulation and ease of storage, while emphasizing cost savings through biosimilar adoption. Meanwhile, the autoimmune disease treatment 'Aptozma' (tocilizumab) is expanding its supply base in Spain, having been selected as a supplier in tenders managed by the Spanish Ministry of Health's INGESA and by regional governments. Aptozma offers a 400mg formulation, increasing options for clinicians, and held approximately 50% market share in Spain by the second quarter.

In neighboring Portugal, Celltrion has also secured bids for several key products through national tenders in the first half of the year. These include the autoimmune treatments 'Remsima' (infliximab), 'Uplyma' (adalimumab), and 'Stekima' (ustekinumab), as well as 'Omclow' and the ophthalmology treatment 'Idensel' (aflibercept). Celltrion expects sales to significantly increase in the second half of the year as the supply of these newly awarded products begins. The company aims to solidify its market position by leveraging its differentiated products and direct sales capabilities.

“

New products are continuously winning bids in Spain and Portugal, but we expect sales expansion to accelerate significantly from the second half, when product supply becomes fully operational. We will strengthen marketing activities targeting key stakeholders and further solidify our market position by leveraging Celltrion's unique product differentiation and direct sales competitiveness.