Truxima (rituximab), a blood cancer treatment developed by Celltrion, has become the first Korean-made biosimilar to rank number one in prescription market share in the United States. This achievement is being hailed as a major milestone, proving the strength and competitiveness of the South Korean biopharmaceutical industry in the world's largest healthcare market.
Surpassing the Originator After Six Years
According to IQVIA, a leading pharmaceutical market research firm, Truxima recorded a 35.8% market share in the United States this February based on prescription volume. This performance allowed it to seize the top spot in the rituximab market.
Truxima is a biosimilar of Rituxan (marketed as MabThera outside the U.S.), a blockbuster drug originally developed by Genentech (a member of the Roche Group). Since its U.S. launch in November 2019, Truxima has steadily gained ground, reaching the top of its class in approximately six years and three months.
"This is a landmark achievement that proves the potential for Korean-made biosimilars to succeed in the United States," a Celltrion representative stated. "It provides a clear business vision and strategic direction for latecomers to the market."
Strong Sales Growth and Market Expansion
The surge in prescriptions has translated into significant financial success. Last year, Truxima posted more than KRW 300 billion in sales across North America, representing a year-over-year growth rate of over 40%.
Building on this momentum, Celltrion plans to expand its U.S. presence further. The company is currently managing a portfolio of more than 10 biosimilars and new drugs that have been launched or are in the pipeline for the U.S. market.
“As Truxima secures the leading position in U.S. prescription market share, we expect product awareness and brand preference to improve further,” a Celltrion official added. “Based on the strong performance of both our established products and new launches, we are confident in achieving our financial targets for the year.”
