Samsung Bioepis Launches Adalimumab Biosimilar in Australia

Samsung Bioepis, of Incheon, Republic of Korea, is reporting that its adalimumab biosimilar Hadlima has been launched in Australia. The agent references AbbVie’s Humira and is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, adult and pediatric Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and plaque psoriasis.

“With the launch in Australia, Samsung Bioepis’ adalimumab is now available in 3 markets: Europe, Canada, and Australia,” the company said in a statement. Via a partnership with Biogen, Hadlima was originally launched in 2018 in Europe under the brand name Imraldi. It was made available in Canada in 2021 via a partnership with Merck, which is also assisting with the Australia launch.

Hadlima marks the third anti–tumor necrosis factor biosimilar Samsung Bioepis has launched in Australia. The others are etanercept (Brenzys) and infliximab (Renflexis) biosimilars, in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Hadlima will be available on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) starting April 1, 2021. The PBS subsidizes medicines for residents of Australia.