Celltrion wins string of tenders in Spain, Portugal, accelerating European expansion

Celltrion is rapidly expanding its foothold in Spain and Portugal, two of Europe's key pharmaceutical markets, on the back of consecutive tender wins and growing prescription volumes.

Celltrion said Wednesday that its biosimilar treatments Omriklo (omalizumab), for chronic spontaneous urticaria and allergic asthma, and Aptozma (tocilizumab), for autoimmune diseases, have secured major tenders in Spain — one of the five largest EU markets — cementing the company's early-mover advantage in the country.

Celltrion's Spanish subsidiary was selected as the supplier for Omriklo in tenders held by four regional governments — Catalonia, the Basque Country, Asturias and Valencia — in the first half of this year. Combined with a surge in individual hospital prescriptions, Omriklo is estimated to have surpassed a 90% share of the Spanish market as of June.

Several competitive advantages unique to Omriklo drove the results: an autoinjector formulation at 150 mg not available in the originator product, a longer shelf life, and room-temperature stability data. A tailored direct-sales strategy targeting key opinion leaders and an active push highlighting the cost savings from biosimilar switching also contributed.

Aptozma has also made strong inroads, securing tenders organized by INGESA, the Spanish Health Ministry's procurement body, as well as multiple regional government tenders, to achieve a majority share of the Spanish market as of the second quarter of this year. A differentiated 400 mg formulation — absent from the originator — allowed the company to respond quickly to market demand.

Celltrion also swept Portugal's national tenders in the first half of this year, with all of its major products winning bids. Ramsima (infliximab), Yuflyma (adalimumab) and Steqeyma (ustekinumab), each indicated for autoimmune diseases, were all awarded contracts. Supply began in the first half and is expected to continue steadily through the second half.

Omriklo and Idenzelt (aflibercept), an ophthalmic treatment, also won bids in the same tender round, demonstrating Celltrion's product competitiveness beyond autoimmune diseases and into the allergy, asthma and ophthalmology segments.

"Our new products are delivering consecutive tender wins in Spain and Portugal, and sales expansion will accelerate further in the second half as supply ramps up in earnest," said Kang Seok-hoon, head of Celltrion's Spanish subsidiary. "We will further consolidate our market position in Europe by leveraging our differentiated product capabilities and direct-sales network."