The European pharmaceutical landscape has witnessed a significant development with the European Commission's approval of Tyenne, the first biosimilar version of Roche's blockbuster drug RoActemra (tocilizumab), developed by German pharmaceutical company Fresenius Kabi.
Comprehensive Treatment Coverage
The newly approved IL-6 inhibitor biosimilar, previously known as MSB11456, matches RoActemra's full range of indications. These include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), juvenile idiopathic polyarthritis (pJIA), giant cell arteritis (GCA), CAR-T cell-induced cytokine release syndrome, and severe COVID-19.
Market Impact and Financial Significance
RoActemra has been a cornerstone therapy in Europe since 2009, generating substantial revenue for Roche. In the previous year alone, European sales reached CHF 802 million, contributing to the product's global turnover of CHF 2.7 billion ($2.95 billion). The drug's peak performance was particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, with sales soaring to nearly $4 billion in 2021.
Competitive Landscape and Patent Status
With Roche's primary patents having expired in both Europe and the United States, the market is preparing for significant changes. While Fresenius Kabi leads the way in Europe, other companies including Biogen, Celltrion, and Gedeon Richter are also developing tocilizumab biosimilars. In the US market, Roche's subsidiary Genentech has initiated legal proceedings against Biogen regarding its BIIB800 biosimilar, citing various patent infringements.
Strategic Importance for Fresenius Kabi
This approval represents Fresenius Kabi's third biosimilar success, following Idacio (adalimumab) and Stimufend (pegfilgrastim). The company plans to offer both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of tocilizumab, aiming to secure a leading position in the US market. This development aligns with their ambitious Vision 2026 strategy, which targets €1 billion in additional revenue every three years.
Pipeline and Future Prospects
Fresenius Kabi's biosimilar portfolio continues to expand, with more than 10 products in development, including versions of rituximab, ustekinumab, and denosumab. The company's commitment to biosimilar development was further strengthened by their €495 million investment in acquiring a majority stake in mAbxience last year, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the biosimilars market.
