Celltrion tops Asian markets with Remsima, anticancer drugs on back of direct-sales push

Celltrion is tightening its grip on Asia's pharmerging markets, expanding the prescription footprint of its flagship biosimilars for autoimmune diseases and cancer treatment.

According to IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm, Celltrion's autoimmune treatment Remsima held the top prescription share in major Asian markets in the first quarter of 2026, commanding 93% in Singapore, 84% in Hong Kong, 78% in Thailand and 72% in Malaysia — all well above the 70% threshold.

Its anticancer drug lineup also stayed at the front of the pack. Truxima, a blood cancer treatment, ranked first in Singapore with 93% and in Thailand with 78% during the same period, while Herzuma, used for breast and gastric cancers, led in Malaysia at 51% and Thailand at 42%. Vegzelma, a treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer, made the most dramatic move — jumping from fourth place in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of last year to first place with a 30% share in the first quarter of this year, a turnaround achieved in a single quarter.

Analysts attribute the gains to Celltrion's localized direct-sales networks anchored by subsidiaries in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, as well as its reliable supply chain. The company built a timely delivery system suited to Asia's tender-driven procurement environment while deepening academic ties with key opinion leaders to strengthen physician prescribing preferences.

Celltrion plans to leverage its established market positions to roll out a series of higher-margin follow-on products. In the second half of this year, it will launch Omriklo, an allergy treatment, and Stoboclo-Osenvelt, a bone disease treatment, in Thailand. It also intends to introduce Steqeyma, an autoimmune treatment, in Malaysia and Singapore before the end of the year, broadening its portfolio in the region.

By replicating in emerging pharmerging markets the direct-sales efficiency it has already proven in Europe and the United States, Celltrion has built a strong foundation for the commercial launch and profitability of its next generation of high-margin biosimilars.

"We will strengthen localized direct-sales operations so that our No. 1 position across key Asian markets can carry over to our new pipeline products," a Celltrion official said. "We will further accelerate earnings growth in Asia through portfolio diversification."