Celltrion's Yuflyma Demonstrates Interchangeability with Humira in Phase 3 Trial
Key Insights
Celltrion's Yuflyma (adalimumab biosimilar) showed comparable efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics to Humira in a Phase 3 trial for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (search).
The trial included 367 patients and demonstrated statistical equivalence in pharmacokinetic characteristics between Yuflyma and Humira.
Celltrion plans to leverage these results to secure FDA approval for interchangeability and expand its market share in the U.S.
Celltrion has announced positive results from its global Phase 3 trial, confirming the interchangeability of Yuflyma (adalimumab, CT-P17), a biosimilar of Humira, for treating autoimmune diseases. The study, involving 367 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (search), demonstrated comparable efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics between Yuflyma and Humira.
The findings were presented at the 2024 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference (FCDC) in Las Vegas, following an earlier presentation at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) conference. The trial's primary objective was to assess whether patients could switch between Yuflyma and Humira without affecting treatment outcomes.
The study revealed statistical equivalence in pharmacokinetic characteristics between patients alternating between Yuflyma and Humira and those maintained on Humira alone. This confirms that Yuflyma exhibits similar efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity profiles to its reference product.
According to a Celltrion representative, the company aims to secure FDA approval for interchangeability based on these results, which would allow pharmacists and patients in the U.S. to choose Yuflyma over Humira based on preference or need. This is particularly significant in the U.S. market, where such substitution is permitted by the prescription system.
Yuflyma distinguishes itself as the first high-concentration biosimilar of Humira. Its high-concentration formulation allows for a halved dosage compared to low-concentration versions and eliminates citrate (citric acid), potentially reducing injection pain. Celltrion currently offers Yuflyma in three dosage options: 20mg/0.2ml, 40mg/0.4ml, and 80mg/0.8ml.