Celltrion Healthcare "Herzuma Selected as Subsidized Item in New Zealand"

Selected Over Original Drugs
Expanded Support Coverage for Stomach and Esophageal Cancer

Celltrion Healthcare announced on the 7th that its anticancer biosimilar for breast and gastric cancer treatment, Herzuma (generic name: trastuzumab), has been selected as a subsidized item in New Zealand, surpassing the original drug.

Celltrion Healthcare Herzuma.
[Photo by Celltrion Healthcare]

New Zealand's Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) announced that the government subsidy for trastuzumab drugs will be changed from the original product Herceptin to Herzuma.

The subsidy period is from December 1, 2023, to May 31, 2027, totaling 3 years and 6 months. The subsidy amount is set at $100 per 150mg vial of Herzuma and $293.35 per 440mg vial. Patients currently receiving treatment with the original product Herceptin must switch to Herzuma by May 31, 2024, to receive subsidy benefits.

Celltrion Healthcare explained that this policy decision reflects "the strong will of the New Zealand government to provide highly effective biopharmaceuticals to more patients." Pharmac stated on its official website, "We are pleased to have selected Herzuma as a subsidized item, which will expand patient access to trastuzumab treatments."

The company also emphasized the significance of the expanded range of subsidized indications compared to the original product. Since 2005, the original product Herceptin was subsidized only for metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. With the change to Herzuma, the subsidy coverage has expanded to include ▲locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric cancer ▲cancers of the gastroesophageal junction and esophagus.

Celltrion Healthcare plans to strengthen marketing activities to expand Herzuma prescriptions in New Zealand based on this achievement. Additionally, the company will continue communication with key stakeholders to include other products in the government subsidy program.

A Celltrion Healthcare representative stated, "We are honored that the therapeutic benefits of Herzuma, whose efficacy and safety have been proven, can be delivered to more patients in New Zealand through this policy." They added, "As our products gain greater market dominance globally, following the approval of Bevacizumab (generic name: Bevacizumab) under the brand name Vegzelma in Australia last September, and now with positive outcomes for Herzuma in New Zealand, we will do our best to further strengthen the influence of Celltrion Group products in the Oceania region."