Teva, Celltrion introduce Rituxan biosimilar

Teva and Celltrion Healthcare are debuting Truxima (rituximab-abbs) injection, which is the only biosimilar to Rituxan (rituximab) for rheumatoid arthritis. 

The product also received FDA approval for an indication for polyangiitis, known as Wegener’s Granulomatosis, and microscopic polyangiitis.

“We are proud to make Truxima available to patients and providers as a treatment option for these indications, especially as this is the only rituximab biosimilar indicated for rheumatoid arthritis,” said Brendan O’Grady, Teva executive vice president, North America commercial. “Following the launch of our other biosimilar earlier this year, we remain focused on our commitment to lower healthcare costs and increase price competition through the availability of biosimilars.”

“We are pleased that patients in the United States can now have access to Truxima for these new indications,” said Hyoung-Ki Kim, vice chairman at Celltrion Healthcare. “We believe that the continued use of biosimilars in the U.S. market will contribute to addressing unmet needs for patients and providers.”

The wholesale acquisition cost for Truxima will be 10% lower than the reference product. Truxima is expected to be available through primary wholesalers at a cost of $845.55 per 100 mg vial and $4,227.75 per 500 mg vial. Actual costs to individual patients and providers for the product are anticipated to be lower than wholesale acquisition cost because it does not account for additional rebates and discounts that may apply. Savings on out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the patient’s insurance payer and eligibility for participation in the assistance program.

Truxima's previous indications are for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.