Celltrion's U.S. Strategy Boosts Sales of Jimpenetra, Achieving Record Prescriptions

Celltrion's tailored sales strategy in the U.S. has paid off, with its subcutaneous infliximab treatment, Jimpenetra (known as Remsima SC in South Korea), achieving its highest quarterly prescription volume ever in the first quarter of this year, surpassing the total prescriptions from the first half of last year.

The company is optimistic about the second half of the year, anticipating continued growth for Jimpenetra as prescription trends show a consistent upward trajectory.

According to Celltrion, Jimpenetra's prescriptions increased by 185% year-over-year in the first quarter, marking a record high.

This success is attributed to the company's '3P' marketing strategy, which focuses on key stakeholders in the local healthcare market, including doctors, insurers, and patients, following Jimpenetra's launch in 2024.

To expand prescriptions for Jimpenetra, Celltrion has concentrated on engaging healthcare professionals, increasing its local sales force to 100 to enhance marketing capabilities. Securing insurance coverage has also been crucial, as reimbursement directly impacts prescriptions in the U.S. The company has utilized various advertising channels, including TV, YouTube, and social media, to increase patient awareness and preference for the product.

Celltrion expects Jimpenetra's growth to continue in the second half of the year, supported by a solid prescription infrastructure with over 90% reimbursement coverage, increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients, and consistent record-breaking prescription volumes since its launch.

Additionally, a new high-revenue product line launched alongside Jimpenetra is also performing well in the U.S. The product, Stekima (ustekinumab), launched in March last year, has captured a 10.2% market share within its first year.

A Celltrion representative stated, "Considering the upward prescription trend as we move into the second half, we expect Jimpenetra's growth to accelerate further."

Previously, Celltrion reported its highest-ever first-quarter performance despite seasonal slowdowns, with consolidated revenues of 1.145 trillion won and an operating profit of 321.9 billion won. This represents a 36% increase in revenue and a 115.5% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year, marking the highest first-quarter revenue and operating profit on record.

Celltrion noted that this record performance positions them well to exceed their annual targets of 5.3 trillion won in revenue and 1.8 trillion won in operating profit.