[Edaily Reporter KIM SAE-MI ] Celltrion is moving to expand its distribution network in Europe through the acquisition of local companies and to strengthen sales of high-margin biosimilar products. The company plans to continue its earnings growth in the fourth quarter by expanding its sales channels—which have traditionally focused on hospitals and government tenders—to include pharmacies and by increasing the market share of its new product lines.

Celltrion(068270)The company announced on the 21st that it has been expanding its distribution network and product portfolio in Europe following the acquisitions of French healthcare firm “Gifrer” and Swiss pharmaceutical distributor “iQone.”

Previously, Celltrion acquired iQone in November 2024 for approximately 30 billion won. In May of this year, it acquired 100% of Gifrer’s shares. The acquisition price for Gifrer was not disclosed.

Celltrion plans to expand its biosimilar sales channels by leveraging Gifrer’s sales network of more than 9,000 pharmacies across France and its supply chain to approximately 800 hospitals. Starting with the bone disease treatments “Stovoclo” and “Osenvelt” (active ingredient: denosumab), the company will begin full-scale sales targeting pharmacies. It has also added approximately 140 product lines—including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, pharmacy-sold products, and dietary supplements secured through the acquisition of Zifre—as new revenue streams.

Direct sales through its European subsidiaries and country-specific, tailored sales strategies are also yielding results.

“Omliclo” (active ingredient: omalizumab), a treatment for chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergic asthma, recorded a market share of approximately 90% in Spain as of July this year. In Italy, sales also exceeded initial business targets. In Germany, the company is working to expand prescriptions by launching a 300 mg dosage form tailored to local demand.

“Aptosma” (active ingredient: tocilizumab), a treatment for autoimmune diseases, won major tenders from IZAAZ and ICZON, large pharmaceutical purchasing consortia in the Netherlands. Through this, the company secured supply volumes accounting for approximately 58% of the local tocilizumab market.

The company’s existing biosimilar portfolio is also gaining market share in Europe. “Remsima SC” (active ingredient: infliximab), a treatment for autoimmune diseases, recorded a market share of approximately 32% in the five major European countries (EU5) as of the first quarter of this year. According to pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA, this marks the highest quarterly market share on record.

The anticancer drug “Vexzelma” (active ingredient: bevacizumab) has maintained its position as the market leader in Europe for 1 year and 9 months, with a market share of approximately 28%. The autoimmune disease treatment “Uplima” (active ingredient: adalimumab) holds a market share of approximately 22%.

Celltrion plans to continue its earnings growth in the fourth quarter, driven by expanded sales of its high-margin follow-on product portfolio and the benefits of acquiring local companies. Earlier, Celltrion achieved its highest-ever quarterly performance in the third quarter of this year, posting preliminary consolidated revenue of 1.5 trillion won and operating profit of 510 billion won.

A Celltrion spokesperson stated, “We are enhancing the competitiveness of our existing biologics sales in the European market while expanding our distribution channels and product portfolio,” adding, “Through sales strategies tailored to the characteristics of each national market and the expansion of sales for our high-margin follow-on product portfolio, we will continue to drive revenue growth and improve profitability in the fourth quarter.”