Celltrion’s Vegzelma has secured over 6% of the U.S. market for Avastin biosimilars within its first year of launch, despite being the fourth entrant in the competitive landscape, according to pharmaceutical research firm IQVIA. The cancer treatment for metastatic colorectal and breast cancer generated 75.8 billion won ($56 million) in U.S. sales, representing one-third of its total annual revenue of 221.2 billion won.
The South Korean pharmaceutical company attributes this rapid growth to its direct sales subsidiary’s focused approach in the public insurance sector, particularly within Medicare, which serves patients 65 and older and comprises approximately 11% of the U.S. insurance market.
Vegzelma’s performance isn’t limited to the U.S. The treatment has achieved even more impressive results internationally, claiming the top market position in Europe with a 29% share during the third quarter of last year, surpassing both the original medication and competing biosimilars. In Japan, the drug secured a 23% market share by year-end, ranking second among biosimilar prescriptions within a year of introduction.
A recent procurement contract with France’s largest pharmaceutical agency, UniHA, will guarantee Vegzelma supply through 2027, potentially strengthening its European market dominance.
Celltrion has positioned its global strategy around direct sales channels rather than distributors, allowing the company to build stronger relationships with procurement agencies and prescribers while eliminating intermediary costs.
