[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Samil Pharmaceutical announced on the 25th that it has launched Amelibuju (generic name ranibizumab), a treatment for macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema developed by Samsung Bioepis.
Amelibuju is a biosimilar of Lucentis developed by Samsung Bioepis, and is an ophthalmic disease treatment that works by binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A to inhibit neovascularization, used for treating neovascular (wet) macular degeneration and vision loss caused by diabetic macular edema.
Heo Seung-beom, Chairman of Samil Pharmaceutical (left), and Go Han-seung, President of Samsung Bioepis, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a domestic distribution and sales contract for Amelibu. [Photo by Samsung Bioepis]
It is the sixth biosimilar product developed and commercialized by Samsung Bioepis and the first ophthalmic disease treatment, having obtained marketing approval in South Korea, the United States, Europe, and Canada, and was launched in the U.S. market in June last year.
Heo Seung-beom, chairman of Samil Pharmaceutical, said, "Samil Pharmaceutical pursues the realization of 'total care' in the field of ophthalmic diseases not only through various self-developed products but also by introducing products from global partners," adding, "With the launch of Amelibuju, we have established a complete product lineup necessary for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases."
Park Sang-jin, Vice President and Head of Commercial Division at Samsung Bioepis, stated, "With the launch of Amelibuju, we can provide more treatment opportunities using high-quality pharmaceuticals to patients with ophthalmic diseases in Korea," and added, "We will continue to strive to enhance patient benefits by expanding biosimilar prescriptions."
The insurance price of Amelibuju is 463,773 KRW, which is registered 43% lower than the original product Lucentis (820,636 KRW).
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