Samsung Bioepis launches first biosimilar in Japan

Samsung Bioepis said Wednesday it has launched autoimmune disease treatment SB17 in partnership with Nipro Corporation, marking the company’s first product launch in Japan and its full-scale entry into the market.

SB17 is a biosimilar referencing Stelara and is used to treat immune-mediated diseases, including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The drug works by inhibiting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, proteins linked to abnormal immune responses.

Samsung Bioepis signed a strategic p