[NEW YORK] – Celltrion’s strategic push into the United States is yielding unprecedented results. Zymfentra (marketed as Remsima SC outside the U.S.), the world's first and only subcutaneous (SC) formulation of infliximab, has recorded its highest-ever quarterly prescription volume, marking a pivotal moment in the South Korean biopharmaceutical giant’s global expansion.
According to data released by Celltrion on May 8, 2026, Zymfentra’s first-quarter prescription volume surged by 185% year-on-year. Remarkably, this single quarter's performance surpassed the combined prescription totals of the first half of the previous year, signaling an accelerating adoption curve in the world's largest healthcare market.
The '3P' Strategy: A Masterclass in Market Entry
Industry analysts attribute this rapid ascent to Celltrion USA’s aggressive "3P" marketing strategy, which targets three critical pillars of the American medical ecosystem: Providers (Physicians), Payers (Insurance companies), and Patients.
The first pillar, Providers, was addressed through a high-touch personal approach. Since the product's launch in 2024, Celltrion’s top management, including Chairman Seo Jung-jin, personally visited major medical centers across the U.S. to engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and specialists. To support this effort, the company expanded its U.S. sales force to over 100 dedicated professionals, ensuring a constant presence in clinics and hospitals.
The second pillar, Payers, is perhaps the most crucial in the complex U.S. market. Unlike many European markets with centralized healthcare, the U.S. relies on a web of private insurers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Zymfentra achieved a significant milestone by securing reimbursement coverage for over 90% of the insured population. By striking deals with major PBMs and mid-sized insurers early on, Celltrion ensured that the high cost of the biologic would not be a barrier to patient access.
Finally, the Patient pillar involved a massive direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising campaign. Utilizing TV, YouTube, and social media, Celltrion raised awareness about the convenience of the SC formulation, which allows patients to self-administer the drug at home instead of spending hours in an infusion center.
Beyond Zymfentra: A Diversified Portfolio
While Zymfentra is the current flagship, Celltrion’s broader portfolio is also showing robust momentum. Steqeyma (ustekinumab), launched in March 2024, captured a 10.2% market share within its first year, positioning itself as a leader in the biosimilar space.
Furthermore, newly launched products like Abtozma (tocilizumab) and Stoboclo/Osenvelt (denosumab) have already secured major PBM listings. With the upcoming H2 2026 launches of the subcutaneous version of Abtozma and Omlyclo, Celltrion is building a "high-margin wall" that competitors will find difficult to breach.
The Significance of the SC Shift
The success of Zymfentra represents a broader shift in the immunology market. Infliximab has long been a gold standard for treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, but its traditional intravenous (IV) delivery was cumbersome. By converting this blockbuster molecule into a self-injectable format, Celltrion has not only improved patient quality of life but also extended the lifecycle of the product under new patent protections.
"The upward trajectory of Zymfentra's prescriptions is expected to steepen as we enter the second half of the year," a Celltrion official stated. "As medical professionals and patients become increasingly familiar with the benefits of the SC formulation, we are seeing a 'snowball effect' in market penetration."
As Celltrion continues to transition from a biosimilar manufacturer to a "New Biologic" innovator, the industry is watching closely. If the current growth rate persists, Zymfentra is well on its way to becoming a multi-billion-dollar "mega-blockbuster," cementing Celltrion's status as a dominant force in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
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