Key Points

Celltrion, a prominent South Korean biopharmaceutical company, remains confident amid recent US drug pricing executive orders. The company believes its biosimilar products will largely escape potential pricing restrictions. By positioning its treatments as cost-effective alternatives, Celltrion sees an opportunity in the evolving global pharmaceutical landscape. With 3.56 trillion won in 2024 sales, the firm is strategically prepared for regulatory shifts.

Key Points: Celltrion Navigates Trump's Drug Price Order with Biosimilar Strategy

  • Trump's MFN pricing targets high-cost medicines
  • Biosimilars offer competitive alternative to original biologics
  • Celltrion expects limited regulatory disruption
  • Company maintains growth strategy despite policy changes
2 min read

S. Korea's Celltrion expects limited impact from US executive order on price reduction

South Korean biotech Celltrion sees minimal impact from US executive order on drug pricing, leveraging competitive biosimilar market

"The impact on Celltrion's products is expected to be limited - Celltrion Corporate Statement"

Seoul, May 21

Celltrion, a leading South Korean biopharmaceutical company, on Wednesday said it expects limited impact from recent US policy developments stemming from a drug pricing executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

Last week, Trump announced an executive order introducing a most-favoured nation (MFN) pricing model, intended to align US drug prices with the lowest prices paid by peer nations, Yonhap news agency reported.

The US Department of Health and Human Services released follow-up details on Tuesday, setting the MFN target price at the lowest drug price found in an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country with a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of at least 60 percent of that of the United States.

"This announcement targets high-cost medicines," Celltrion said.

"The impact on Celltrion's products is expected to be limited, as biosimilars, already available at lower prices and helping reduce drug costs through competition, are not included in the scope of this measure," the company added.

It said the MFN pricing rule will provide an opportunity for biosimilars in the long run as it helps the US drug market become more competitive.

Under the current US pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) system, original biologic drugs are typically given priority in formularies, limiting biosimilar adoption.

Celltrion noted that its autoimmune disease treatment, Remsima SC, is unlikely to fall under the MFN pricing rule, as it is classified as an original biologic in the US but a biosimilar in other countries, while the MFN pricing model seeks to compare the US price of an original drug with its overseas price.

The company pledged to respond swiftly to global regulatory shifts while continuing to grow its business.

In 2024, Celltrion posted 3.56 trillion won ($2.57 billion) in sales.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see how US policies affect global pharma companies. In India, we've seen similar price control mechanisms work well for making medicines affordable. Hope this move benefits patients worldwide. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
As someone working in Indian healthcare, I appreciate biosimilars being excluded. Our pharma industry has been a leader in affordable biosimilars - this could be an opportunity for Indian companies too!
A
Arjun S.
The US finally realizing what India has known for years - drug price controls help common people. But will they adopt our Jan Aushadhi model? That would be revolutionary for American patients!
S
Sunita R.
While price controls are good, I worry about innovation. Indian pharma needs to balance affordability with R&D investments. Hope South Korean companies like Celltrion continue their good work despite these changes.
V
Vikram J.
The classification difference for Remsima SC shows how complex global pharma regulations are. India should take note and ensure our policies remain competitive while protecting patient interests.
N
Neha P.
$2.57 billion in sales is impressive! Indian companies should learn from South Korea's success in biopharma. We have the talent, need more investment in this sector. Make in India should include biosimilars too 💊

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