Pfizer to Begin Shipping Inflectra in US

On Oct. 17, 2016, Pfizer announced that it would begin shipping its biosimilar version of Johnson & Johnson’s Remicade (infliximab) in late November 2016. Pfizer and Celltrion’s Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based biosimilar approved in the United States. Inflectra is the second biosimilar to gain FDA approval.

In a statement, Pfizer said the drug would enter the market at a 15% discount from the current wholesale acquisition cost of Remicade. Pfizer holds exclusive commercialization rights to Celltrion’s Inflectra in the US, and has already introduced the biosimilar in other markets across the globe, including Europe, where the drug has been marketed since 2013.

“Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of many life-threatening and chronic diseases. By introducing Inflectra to the US marketplace, Pfizer is helping customers access an additional high-quality treatment option that promises greater savings for the healthcare system,” Diem Nguyen, regional president North America, Pfizer Essential Health Business said in a statement. “We are proud of our global leadership in biosimilars, and will continue our efforts to advance a sustainable, competitive marketplace for these therapies to deliver a high quality, consistent supply of product and long-term savings and value for patients and physicians.”

In a statement to Reuters, J&J said it intends to remain competitive with the biosimilar. “We intend to compete through a variety of innovative contracting options, discounts and rebates to payers, providers, and pharmacy benefit managers to ensure Remicade remains an affordable option for patients and physicians," the company said.

Source: Pfizer, Reuters