Celltrion Inc. is taking control of its anticancer drug distribution in Spain, transitioning three key biosimilars to direct sales through its local subsidiary this month after terminating its partnership with distributor Kern Pharma.
The South Korean biopharmaceutical giant will now directly sell Truxima, Herzuma, and Vegzelma — treatments for blood, breast, and colorectal cancers that have already captured significant European market share. Celltrion’s Spanish subsidiary has secured a four-year contract running through 2029 with CSC, a major procurement consortium supplying 25 public hospitals in Catalonia.
This strategic shift follows the company’s direct sales expansion in Portugal last December, where it initially launched with the immunosuppressant Stelara before expanding to its full product portfolio last month. According to healthcare analytics firm IQVIA, Truxima and Herzuma already hold market shares of 23% and 22% respectively in Spain.
The move aligns with Celltrion’s ambitious growth targets after posting record revenue of 3.56 trillion won (US$2.48 billion) in 2024. The company aims to reach 5 trillion won (US$3.49 billion) in 2025, representing a 40.5% increase, as it leverages direct distribution to improve margins.
Spain’s pharmaceutical market, projected to reach US$56.7 billion by 2030 with a 7.1% CAGR, represents a significant opportunity for Celltrion as it strengthens its European footprint. The oncology segment alone is expected to generate US$2.56 billion in Spain this year.
Celltrion’s direct sales initiative comes amid intensifying competition in Europe’s biosimilar market, where Korean manufacturers have gained substantial market share by offering cost-effective alternatives to original biologic drugs.
