J&J downplays biosimilar competition
Uptake in Korea of Remsima infliximab, a biosimilar version of autoimmune drug Remicade infliximab, has been "relatively slow," according to Kim Taylor, company group chairman, pharmaceuticals, Asia Pacific at Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). J&J markets Remicade, while Celltrion Inc. (KOSDAQ:068270) markets the biosimilar Remsima, which was approved in Korea in August 2012. Speaking on Thursday at J&J's annual R&D analyst day, Taylor said "we are not seeing major switches and we are still seeing very strong performance with Remicade in Korea." She cited "physician hesitance over switching patients and physician confidence in our product."
J&J expects biosimilars to compete like lower-cost branded drugs, said Joaquin Duato, worldwide chairman, pharmaceuticals at the pharma. Duato said Celltrion sells Remsima in Korea at a 5% discount to Remicade. Celltrion did not respond to a request for comments on Remsima's pricing or market penetration. The company has previously said it expects a decision in June on an MAA for Remsima, which is partnered with Hospira Inc. (NYSE:HSP). J&J's partner Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) markets Remicade in Europe, as well as Turkey and Russia. ...