Remsima SC recorded sales of 356.7 billion won in global markets, including Europe and South Korea, during the first half of this year. This represents a 20.3% increase compared to the same period last year. During the same period, Zimpentra, which is sold in the U.S., achieved sales of 99.5 billion won, a 176.4% increase year-over-year.
Remsima SC is a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of infliximab. Unlike existing infliximab products administered intravenously (IV) in hospitals, it offers greater convenience by allowing patients to self-administer the medication according to their prescription. In the U.S., it has received new drug approval and is marketed under the brand name Zimpentra.
Celltrion is implementing a “dual formulation” strategy, supplying both “Remsima,” the intravenous (IV) formulation of infliximab, and Remsima SC, the subcutaneous (SC) formulation. This approach allows healthcare providers to select either formulation based on the patient’s condition and treatment environment. The company is also strengthening the integration between products to ensure that patients who switch from competing infliximab products to Remsima continue their maintenance therapy with Remsima SC.
Remsima SC continues to show steady growth in Europe, its key market. According to IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm, Remsima SC recorded a market share of approximately 32% in the five major European countries (EU5) as of the first quarter of this year. With prescriptions steadily increasing since its European launch in 2020, it also set a new record for its highest-ever quarterly market share.
By country, Germany had the highest market share at 49%. France and Italy also recorded 35% and 31%, respectively. In Germany, market penetration has increased to the point where roughly one in two patients receiving infliximab therapy is prescribed Remsima SC.
The European infliximab market also continues to grow. According to IQVIA, the European infliximab market grew at an average annual rate of approximately 9% from 2019 to 2024. Infliximab formulations have been used for over 20 years to treat autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and have accumulated a robust body of data on efficacy and safety.
In the United States, Zimpentra is emerging as a new growth driver. Building on its insurance reimbursement framework and distribution and sales networks in the U.S., Celltrion is expanding tailored marketing activities targeting healthcare professionals and patients. The company plans to sustain Zimpentra’s growth in prescriptions and sales by concurrently conducting initiatives to boost product awareness and prescribing preference.
The company is also expanding its sales regions. Alongside growth in existing markets, Celltrion is pursuing entry into new markets with Remsima SC. Celltrion plans to launch Remsima SC next year in Japan, a key Asian pharmaceutical market. In Central and South America, the company intends to gradually expand its sales regions in accordance with country-specific regulatory approvals and market conditions.
A Celltrion official stated, “The Remsima SC product line is diversifying its growth drivers, driven by stable growth in Europe and a significant increase in Zimpentra sales in the U.S.” The official added, “While continuing to expand prescriptions in existing markets, we will proceed smoothly with launches in new regions such as Japan and Latin America to grow the Remsima SC product line into a drug with annual sales of 1 trillion won.”
