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The Biosimilars Landscape in Japan: 2009-2020 Study

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    Report

  • 156 Pages
  • January 2020
  • Region: Japan
  • MP Advisors
  • ID: 4898038

25 Biosimilars of 12 Originator Products are Approved in Japan and Have Yielded Mixed Performances

Since 2009, 25 biosimilars of 12 originator products are approved in Japan and have yielded mixed performances and attained annual sales of ~¥32.4b ($300m).

Unique biosimilars landscape with the entry of NESP “biosame” by originator Kyowa Hakko Kirin through its subsidiary, co-promotion/marketing collaboration with local companies for the front-end skill sets (Ayumi, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Teijin) and few skipped listing to better manage constant supply (Pfizer), a key requirement by MHLW, makes Japan a distinct market vs. US and EU.

Less stringent regulatory environment vs. US for approval, increasing healthcare burden and strong foothold of the marketers have played key roles in this early uptake  which is at par to one of the best generic small molecule penetration in Japan in a short time (Filgrastim BS-volume share~45% in two years, Lantus BS- ~9% in 2 months vs.  Lipitor generics ~50% volume share).
 
While analyzing the launched biosimilar penetration since 2009 in Japan, bolstering uptake of Enbrel, Rituxan, and Lantus biosimilar vs. very slow uptake of Remicade BS mainly been attributed with the use of biosimilars in DPC hospitals,product reimbursement under high cost medical care benefit system and front end presence of the local partner.

Despite the string of recent biosimilars approvals, healthcare professionals still harbor concerns over the quality of biosimilars.

MHLW’s announcement to update a decade back biosimilars guideline by FY2020 to reduce cost of development as well as to increase confidence of physician on quality, is indicative of biosimilar as important weapon for Chuikyo(Central social Insurance Medical Council) to curb healthcare cost. Further, “Biosame” pricing game will play a major role in the future for biosimilar penetration. We see that Abenomics measures and government involvement in biosimilars use would lead to the Biosimilars promotions in the coming times in Japan.

Mixed strategies by originator for “Bio-same” launch (Kyowa Hakko Kirin to launch “Biosame” vs. Chugai said not to launch “Biosame”), therapy area wise biosimilars cherry picking by mid-size Japanese companies, and different strategies by local generic companies (NichiIko heading for global market vs. Sawai testing through co-promotion and Towa yet not decided to enter), demonstrates each company’s different need and approach to cater biosimilar opportunities in Japan.
 
Since the last five years, most of the companies have some alliance in place for biosimilars, with most of the Japanese companies undertaking pacts with South Korean companies to ride on their back of biosimilar mAb expertise.

There is a trend of doing product specific alliance by most of the JP companies active in BS space and to go step by step on this high risk/high return opportunities. Against this backdrop, multinational companies like Pfizer are setting their sights on this market without local partnership taking advantage of pro-biosimilar environment to capture decent biosimilar market share. Overall, in the Japan market, each opportunity has a different competitive landscape for itself, and some companies are looking for niche opportunities in biosimilar space as per their specialty therapy area- like ophthalmology BS (Lucentis), Enzyme therapy BS (JCR).

While launched biosimilars now generates ~¥32b ($300m) sales and its penetration is accelerating, MHLW’s approval of “Biosame” of NESP based on same clinical data as the originator NESP, and current ongoing dialogs to price “Biosame” higher than biosimilars, indicative of Biosame to be the key hurdle in the future for mid-size biosimilar companies in Japan. In the year 2020, MHLW’s stand on Biosame, will be important to decide future of theses mid-size /generic biosimilar developers.  Around ~¥550b opportunity is opening for biosimilar in the next 7 years in Japan due to patent expiry of Wave 2-3 biologics.
 
In this report, we attempt to analyze trend/requirement of regulatory approval of biosimilars based on Ex-Japan clinical trialdata, factors responsible for each key launched biosimilar penetration (“Made in Japan” vs. “Tested by Japan”), and the future competitive landscape in the biosimilars space in Japan.  

We also attempt to analyze detail BS market of EPO, Filgrastim/Pegfilgrastim/ Insulin/Lantus apart from other key complex Mab Biosimilar opportunities and list out niche opportunities in biosimilar space in Japan.  Details of all major consolidation activities done by JP/Foreign companies in biosimilar space in the last five years and crisp summary on strategies of each key player (~21 JP local companies, multinational companies), their interest & focus for future collaboration in biosimilar space.  


Table of Contents


CHAPTER 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 2: JAPANESE GOVERNMENT AND “CHUIKYO” INITIATIVES TO INCREASE BIOSIMILAR PENETRATION IN JAPAN
  • JBSA- How it will play important role for biosimilar penetration in Japan and overcome BS penetration related issues?
CHAPTER 3: LESSONS FROM LAUNCHED BIOGENERIC PROGRESS IN JAPAN SINCE 2009
  • Encouraging uptake for Filgrastim, Insulin glargine, Rituximab and Eternacept BS, while sluggish start for Infliximab demonstrates variable market for each BS - Highly depends on the reimbursement status and front-end presence
CHAPTER 4: GROWTH HORMONE MARKET (SOMATROPIN) IN JAPAN
  • Despite being the first biosimilar to hit the Japan market, low uptake reported due to the brand loyalty by pediatrician; Long acting growth hormone entry is the upcoming threat
CHAPTER 5: ANEMIA MARKET IN JAPAN
  • EPO- After an initial struggle, biosimilar of EPO is steadily growing
  • NESP “Biosame” vs. NESP BS uptake - key to watch in 2020
CHAPTER 6: FILGRASTIM (GRAN) BS
  • G-LASTA uptake squeeze the market for GRAN BSs - Entry of G-lasta biosimilars expected to change the game
CHAPTER 7: REMICADE (INFLIXIMAB) BS
  • High cost healthcare system and impact of competing products like Simponi in the RA market, key hurdles for the slower biosimilar uptake
CHAPTER 8: LANTUS (INSULIN GLARGINE) BIOSIMILAR
  • One of the most successful BS launch in Japan –now facing challenges from next generation Lantus (Lantus-XR)
CHAPTER 9: ENBREL (ETANERCEPT) BIOSIMILAR
  • First Etanercept BS had encouraging early uptake as provides co-pay difference due to low cost vs. other approved Mabs, available in both formulations and strong front end of the commercial partner
CHAPTER 10: ONCOLOGY BIOSMILARS ERA STARTS WITH RITUXAN (RITUXIMAB) BIOSIMILAR
  • Rituxan biosimilar take off strongly captured major shares from the originator; Gazyva (obinutuzumab) to replace Rituxan is the major threat
CHAPTER 11: HERCEPTIN (TRASTUZUMAB) BIOSIMILAR
  • Now with approval of all dosing schedules and indications as the originator, three BS players ready to take the market share- Approval of fixed-dose combination of Roche’s Herceptin/Perjeta and new competitors can change the game
CHAPTER 12: AVASTIN (BEVACIZUMAB) BIOSIMILAR
  • Japan’s best selling drug with sizable market to attract more biosimilar players in the coming future without “Biosame” threat
CHAPTER 13: FABRAZYME (AGALSIDASE BETA) BIOSIMILAR
  • Niche opportunity captured by Japanese biosimilar rising star, difficulties ahead with the entry of Japan’s first oral treatment for Fabry disease (Galafold)
CHAPTER 14: FORTEO (TERIPARATIDE) BIOSIMILAR
  • Entry of Evenity –create a headwind despite lower copay & strong front end by Mochida
CHAPTER 15: NEXT WAVEOF BIOSIMILAR OPPORTUNITIES IN JAPAN
  • Actemra BS a more attractive opportunity in Japan vs. Humira
  • Avastin biosimilar uptake and Opthalmology BS development are key to watch
CHAPTER 16: BIOSIMILAR/BIOPHARMA CMO OPPORTUNITY
  • Would Japanese conglomerates cater the global market?
CHAPTER 17: REGULATORY APPROVAL REQUIREMENT FOR COMPLEX MAB BIOSIMILAR IN JAPAN
  • Key take away of JP biosimilar guideline when compared to EU/US requirement
  • JP requirements for the approval of biosimilars
CHAPTER 18: LICENSING/CONSOLIDATION ACTIVITIES IN BIOSIMILAR SPACE IN JAPAN
CHAPTER 19: JAPANESE COMPANIES ACTIVE INTO BIOGENERICS SPACE
  • Aska Pharmaceuticals - No major progress on the biobetter
  • Asahi Glass –Entering in Biopharma CDMO Business for Global Market
  • Chugai Pharmaceuticals- Entry to Authorised Biosimilar unlikely - Fighting for originator rights
  • Daiichi Sankyo –Potential to be a front runner in the biosimilar space with Amgen Partnership
  • Fuji Film Kyowa Kirin Biologics (FF-KKB) - Looking beyond domestic opportunities to capture global biosimilar business
  • Fuji Pharma - Alvotech partnership to bolster biosimilar business as its new core in the home ground
  • Gene Techno Science - JP Biopharma rising star - A reliable partner for Developing Biosimilar in Japan by Japanese Front End Companies
  • Itochu Chemical Frontier Corporation - A trading house with new role in biosimilar value chain
  • JCR Pharmaceuticals –A pioneer for biosimilars -now thrive in regenerative medicine & fast tracking NESP biosimilar
  • Kissei - Timely launch of NESP biosimilar - Next to watch! Focus to be a niche player in BS space
  • Kyowa Hakko Kirin - Tapping biosimilar market through “Biosame” launch –Taking advantage of front end leadership for Anemia and Heamatology therapy area
  • Meiji Seika Pharma (MSP) –Trastuzumab biosimilar launch awaited in Japan- Tough competition with already approved other players!
  • Mochida - Enbrel BS- first to file for Japan, now equipped with full basket for being one of the top biosimilar player in Japan
  • Mitsubishi Tanabe –Not in biosimilars area yet
  • MGC Pharma (now as Cultivec) - A Bio-pharmaceutical CMO - leveraging the findings gained through developing the mass-culture technology to develop biosimlars!
  • Nichi-Iko - Aspiring to capture overseas markets, committed to the biosimilar business in the US
  • Nipro Pharma - Not much development after Somatropin BS
  • Nippon Kayaku - Pioneering ‘New Age’ of biosimilars: After Remicade- now launch of Herceptin BS is key
  • Sawai - Intends to establish sales team in biosimilar field in next few years
  • Towa - Still waiting for Government right policy pitch for biosimilar
  • Toyobo Biologics - Eying at biosimilars CMO Business
  • Takeda Teva Pharmaceuticals - Noclarity on biosimilar launch plan in Japan
  • UMN Pharma - Transforming vaccines heritage into new generation biologics- but no major progress in last couple of years in biosimilar area
  • Yoshindo - A steady progress for Enbrel biosimilar- “Three step” approach to build a Bio Company
  • Sanwa Kagaku - NESP biosimilar - a therapy focus biosimilar entry for Japan market
  • Amgen - Timely launch is key through Daiichi Sankyo Partnership in Japan
  • Chong Kun Dang - With Fuji Pharma entering in NESP BS market
TABLES
Table 1: Jp Biosimilar Competitive Landscape (A)
Table 2: Opening Opportunities - Early Wave Biosimilars (B)
Table 2: Opening Opportunities - Next Wave Biosimilars (C)
Table 3: Co-Pay Slabs In Japan
Table 4: Launched Biosimilars In Japan- Uptake Varies For Each Biosimilars
Table 5: Approved Biosimilars In Japan
Table 6: Data Package Of Somatropin Biosimilar Approval
Table 7: Data Package Of Epoetin Alfa Biosimilar Approval
Table 8: Anemia Market Dynamics: Reported Sales For Fy2017, Fy2018 & Fy2019
Table 9: Darbopoetin Alfa: Biosimilars And Biosame
Table 10: Filgrastim Bs - Local Vs. Overseas Clinical Studies Submitted For JP Approval By Each Player
Table 11: Mochida Filgrastim Bs - Clinical Studies Submitted For JP Approval
Table 12: Nippon Kayaku Filgrastim Bs – Detail Studies Submitted For JP Approval
Table 13: Sandoz – Japan Filgrastim “Bs” - Detail Studies Submitted For JP Approval
Table 14: Sandoz – Japan Filgrastim “Bs” - Overseas Studies Submitted For JP Approval
Table 15A: Filgrastim/Gran, Competitive Landscape- Market Strategy Of Each Player
Table 15B: Filgrastim/Gran/G-Lasta- Sales Trend Of Each Neutropeniadrug In Japan
Table 16: Data Package Of Infliximab Bs
Table 17: Clinical Data Submitted For JP Approval Of Remicade Biosimilar
Table 18: Clinical Data Comparison Of Ct- P13 Vs. Inx In Ra
Table 19: Clinical Studies Submitted For Eli-Lilly Lantus Bs Approval In Japan
Table 20: Clinical Studies Submitted For Fujifilm-Biocon Lantus Bs Approval In Japan
Table 21: Other Key Biosimilar Opportunities In Insulin Area In Japan
Table 22: Etanercept Competitive Landscape
Table 23: Originator’S Approved Indication And Dosing Schedule
Table 24: Competitive Landscape With Details Of The Clinical Studies Submitted For Herceptin Biosimilar
Table 25: Avastin Biosimilars–Launched & Pipeline
Table 26: Key Ra Biologics Sales Trend Japan 2014-2019
Table 27: Humira Biosmilar Competitative Landscape
Table 28: Other Niche Opportunities In Ophthalmic/Onco/Autoimmune Therapy Area
Table 29: Major Bio-Cmo Companies In The World And Their Activities In Japan
Table 30: Major Bio-Cmo Companies In Japan
Table 31: Fuji Film Kyowa Kirin Biologics- Biosimilar Pipeline
Table 32: Gene Techno Science-Biogenerics Status
Table 33: Jcr -Approved Products
Table 34: Msp - Biosimilar Pipeline
Table 35: Mochida -Biosimilars - Marketed Products And Pipeline
Table 36: Nichi- Iko - Biosimilars -Marketed Products And Pipeline
Table 37: Nippon Kayaku - Biosimilar Status
Table 38: Amgen/Daiichi Sankyo - Biosimilars–Launched & Pipeline
Charts And Annexure
Chart 1: Anemia Dynamic Market In Japan (2017-2019)
Chart 2: Neutropenia Market Dynamics
Annexure: - I Year Wise Partnership In Biosimilar Space In Japan
Annexure: - Ii Biosimilar Guidelines Adopted By Various Countries
Annexure:-Iii Active Foreign Companies In Biosimilar Space- Japan

Companies Mentioned

  • Aska Pharmaceuticals
  • Asahi Glass
  • Chugai Pharmaceuticals
  • Daiichi Sankyo
  • Fuji Film Kyowa Kirin Biologics
  • Fuji Pharma
  • Gene Techno Science
  • Itochu Chemical Frontier Corporation
  • JCR Pharmaceuticals
  • Kissei
  • Kyowa Hakko Kirin
  • Meiji Seika Pharma (MSP)
  • Mochida
  • Mitsubishi Tanabe
  • MGC Pharma (Cultivec)
  • Nichi-Iko
  • Nipro Pharma
  • Nippon Kayaku
  • Sawai
  • Towa
  • Toyobo Biologics
  • Takeda Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • UMN Pharma
  • Yoshindo
  • Sanwa Kagaku
  • Amgen
  • Chong Kun Dang