Remsima is Celltrion’s biosimilar drug referencing Johnson & Johnson’s autoimmune disease treatment Remicade. Biosimilars are cheaper, near-replicas of biologic drugs whose patents have expired.

“With the latest agreement, Celltrion has secured a local drug producer in the US, the world’s biggest biopharmaceutical market,” a Celltrion official said. “The firm expects to meet local demand in a more flexible manner.”

Baxter Biopharma Solutions is set to produce Celltrion’s Truxima and Herzuma at its facilities as well once they are approved. The two drugs, referencing Rituxan and Herceptin respectively, are currently awaiting marketing authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration.

By Shim Woo-hyun (ws@heraldcorp.com)