[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Celltrion announced on the 12th that its operating profit for the first quarter of this year, based on consolidated financial statements, was tentatively estimated at 207.656 billion KRW, a 72.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
During the same period, sales increased by 22.6% to 456.969 billion KRW compared to the same period last year. Net profit rose by 87.3% to 197.229 billion KRW.
The company evaluated that major antibody biosimilar products such as 'Remsima' (Remicade biosimilar), 'Herzuma' (Herceptin biosimilar), and 'Truxima' (Rituxan biosimilar) maintained stable market shares in global markets including the US and Europe, while sales increased as the supply expanded after the high-concentration Humira biosimilar 'Yuflyma' received marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in February. Additionally, they added that operating profit margin recovered to the 40% range, recording 45.4% due to decreased selling and administrative expenses, improved production efficiency, and expanded sales of high-profit products.
According to pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA, in the fourth quarter of last year, Remsima recorded a 53% market share in Europe, Truxima 36%, and Herzuma 15%. In the US, Truxima showed a market share of 26.2% as of the first quarter of this year, continuing high growth. Remsima also showed a 15% market share, and Herzuma was officially launched in the US market last year.
Celltrion has set a goal to obtain approval for at least one follow-up product annually until 2030. Among the major pipelines, the colon and rectal cancer treatment biosimilar 'CT-P16' of 'Avastin' is scheduled to apply for approval from the EMA within this year. In addition, follow-up biosimilars such as 'CT-P39', a biosimilar of the allergy asthma and chronic urticaria treatment 'Xolair', and 'CT-P41', a biosimilar of the osteoporosis treatment 'Prolia', are accelerating global Phase 3 clinical trials.
A Celltrion official said, "The company's main antibody biosimilar product lineup has grown steadily in Europe and the US, significantly increasing sales and operating profit compared to the same period last year. Especially this year, with the global launch of new products such as Regkirona and Yuflyma in full swing, supply volume is expected to increase, so stable growth is anticipated going forward."
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