Celltrion's Zimpenetra Sees 185% Surge in Q1 Prescriptions, Hits All-Time Quarterly High

‘3P’ Strategy Targeting Physicians, Insurers, and Patients Proves Effective

New Products Beyond Zimpenetra Also Gain Traction in U.S. Market

Celltrion’s subcutaneous (SC) formulation of infliximab, 'Zimpenetra' (the U.S. product name for Remsima SC), achieved its highest-ever quarterly prescription volume in the first quarter of this year.

Celltrion Zimpenetra. Celltrion

On May 8, Celltrion announced that Zimpenetra’s prescription volume in the first quarter of this year increased by 185% compared to the same period last year, marking a record high for any quarter. The company also noted that this figure surpassed not only the first quarter of last year, but also the combined prescription volume for the first half of last year. According to Celltrion, this demonstrates that the tailored commercial strategies of its U.S. subsidiary have begun to deliver tangible results.

Since launching Zimpenetra in the U.S. in 2024, Celltrion’s U.S. subsidiary has implemented a ‘3P’ marketing strategy targeting the main local stakeholder groups: providers (physicians), payers (insurance companies), and patients.

The company first focused its efforts on the group of physicians who play a critical role in prescribing decisions. When Zimpenetra was launched, Seo Jungjin, Chairman of Celltrion Group, and other senior executives traveled across the United States to meet directly with key physicians by region and by disease area to promote the product. The company also expanded its dedicated field sales force to about 100 personnel.

Securing reimbursement coverage through engagement with insurance companies was also identified as a key driver for increased prescriptions. In the U.S. healthcare market, only products eligible for patient reimbursement are effectively sold, giving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurance companies significant influence. From the outset, Celltrion’s U.S. subsidiary negotiated with major PBMs and insurers, securing reimbursement coverage for over 90% of the insured market.

Media advertising aimed at patients and the general public—both online and offline—was another major factor in the expansion of prescriptions. Celltrion’s U.S. subsidiary has simultaneously conducted advertising campaigns on TV, YouTube, social media, and within hospitals targeting patients.

Meanwhile, other new products launched alongside Zimpenetra are also performing well in the U.S. market. 'Stekyma' (ingredient: ustekinumab), which was launched in March of last year, captured a 10.2% share of the biosimilar prescription market within just one year. 'Aptozuma' (ingredient: tocilizumab) and 'Stoboclo-Ocenbelt' (ingredient: denosumab), both introduced in the second half of last year, secured reimbursement coverage by signing formulary listing agreements with major PBMs. Additional new products such as the Aptozuma SC formulation and Omriclo are scheduled for U.S. launches in the second half of this year.

A Celltrion representative stated, “The fact that Zimpenetra continues to set new quarterly prescription records is clear evidence that the U.S. subsidiary’s tailored commercial activities are proving effective. As we move into the second half of the year, the upward trend in prescriptions is accelerating, and we expect Zimpenetra’s growth trajectory to become even steeper.”

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