Biopharmaceutical firm Samsung Bioepis, based in South Korea, has announced its expansion of its global footprint to Australia with the launch of HADLIMA™ (adalimumab), a biosimilar referencing HUMIRA (adalimumab) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, adult and paediatric Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa and plaque psoriasis.

With the launch in Australia, Samsung Bioepis’ adalimumab is now available in three markets: Europe, Canada, and Australia, underscoring the company’s continuous efforts to expand its reach in multiple markets across the world.

It was first launched in Europe in October 2018 under the name IMRALDI™ in partnership with Biogen, followed by Canada in February 2021 in partnership with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the US and Canada.

“We are delighted by our partnership with MSD Australia to bring this important medicine to patients in Australia, followed by our recent launch in Canada,” said Albert Kim, Vice President of the Commercial Strategy Team at Samsung Bioepis. “It marks another important milestone for us and represents our commitment to bring high quality treatment to patients around the world.”

HADLIMA™ is Samsung Bioepis’ third anti-TNF biosimilar launched in Australia, following the launch of BRENZYS™ (etanercept) in December 2016 and RENFLEXIS™ (infliximab) in July 2017. HADLIMA™ will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from April 1, 2021.

In addition to Australia and Canada, Samsung Bioepis’ adalimumab has obtained the approval for marketing in Europe, Switzerland, the US and Korea.