Celltrion Pharm, 1Q Sales 97 Billion KRW... Operating Profit Down 61.4%

Celltrion Pharm announced on the 16th through a business performance disclosure that it recorded sales of KRW 96,968.62 million and an operating profit of KRW 3,689.62 million in the first quarter of this year. Sales increased by 7.7% compared to the same period last year, achieving a record high, but operating profit decreased by 61.4%. The company explained, "Operating profit reflects increased labor costs due to preparations for expanding production facility operations and clinical costs associated with pipeline expansion."

Exterior view of Celltrion Pharm factory in Cheongju, Chungbuk [Photo by Celltrion Pharm]

In the chemical pharmaceuticals business division, which recorded sales of KRW 39,365 million, the drug price reduction policy affected some items, but the main product for liver treatment, Godeks, continued its strong sales with KRW 14,754 million in sales, similar to last year. The biosimilar business division, which recorded sales of KRW 18.2 billion, saw sales increase by 15.4% year-on-year as its main products showed steady growth. The autoimmune disease treatment Remsima grew by 16.7% with sales of KRW 9,558 million, synergizing with RemsimaSC, a subcutaneous injection formulation that improves dosing convenience. In particular, RemsimaSC showed a growth rate of 27.2% as the number of patients switching from competing products steadily increased.

The prefilled syringe (PFS) production facility at the Cheongju plant in Chungbuk, which began full-scale commercial production last year, actively produces major products such as Zimpenetra and Uplima sold by Celltrion, achieving a 604% sales growth compared to the same period last year, successfully securing an additional growth engine for Celltrion Pharm. In the research and development (R&D) sector, the company plans to accelerate continuous strengthening of chemical pharmaceuticals competitiveness by focusing on the development of multiple improved new drug pipelines, including combination drugs for diabetes and hypertension that enhance medication convenience.

A Celltrion Pharm official said, “We showed solid performance in key products including Godeks, the biosimilar Remsima product line, and Herzuma,” adding, “While continuing the growth of key products, we will do our best to create long-term results through new product development such as improved new drugs and production expansion.”