Celltrion Healthcare Supplies Anti-Cancer Biosimilar 'Herzuma' to Ukraine

50 Billion KRW Supply Led by KOICA

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] Celltrion Healthcare announced on the 26th that its anticancer antibody biosimilar (biopharmaceutical generic) 'Herzuma' (generic name trastuzumab), used for the treatment of breast and stomach cancer, has been supplied to patients in Ukraine through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Celltrion Healthcare explained that this pharmaceutical supply was carried out under KOICA's leadership at the request of the Ukrainian government. KOICA purchased Herzuma worth a total of 5 billion KRW from Celltrion Healthcare and then provided it to Ukraine.

Of the total quantity, the first supply worth 2 billion KRW, which was delivered to KOICA first, was sent to Ukraine on the 11th. Subsequently, the remaining quantity was delivered to KOICA on the 19th and headed to Ukraine along with other relief supplies.

Celltrion Healthcare stated that it is highly significant that the Ukrainian government requested the supply of Herzuma among various medicines. Amid the ongoing war, where the supply of treatments for breast and stomach cancer patients is not smooth, the Ukrainian government selected Herzuma after comprehensively considering its proven therapeutic efficacy and safety, trust from European medical professionals, and product preference.

Trastuzumab is a representative anticancer drug that has shown therapeutic efficacy in HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) positive breast and stomach cancer diseases and has been widely used in Europe for many years. In Europe, where many trastuzumab products have been launched and are competing, Herzuma recorded a market share of 12.7% (according to IQVIA) in the second quarter, maintaining its leading position in biosimilar prescriptions since its initial launch in 2018.

A Celltrion Healthcare official said, "We hope that Herzuma will help Ukrainian patients, who are in a poor medical environment due to the war, overcome their diseases and provide an opportunity to regain hope for life and peaceful daily living." He added, "Since we are currently operating donation programs in countries such as Turkey and Pakistan, we will continue to fulfill our social responsibility as a pharmaceutical and bio company leading the advancement of global medical welfare."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.