Stelara biosimilars enter US market with 85% discount in 2025

Biosimilars/General | Posted 28/03/2025 post-comment0 Post your comment

In February 2025, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Alvotech announced the availability of Selardsi (ustekinumab-aekn) in the US, followed by Sandoz’s Pyzchiva (ustekinumab-ttwe). These two products are biosimilars to the originator drug, Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara (ustekinumab). 

ST002293

Ustekinumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that interferes with the triggering of the body’s inflammatory response through the suppression of certain cytokines. Specifically, it blocks interleukin IL 12 and IL 23 which help activate certain T cells. It binds to the p 40 subunit of both IL 12 and IL 23 so that they subsequently cannot bind to their receptors. It is indicated for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis [1].

Selarsdi is the second Stelara biosimilar to launch in the US, following Amgen’s Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) which was launched in January 2025, and is exclusively available through Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group. 

Approved by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) in April 2024, Selarsdi is available in the following formulations [2]:

  • 45 mg/0.5 mL and 90 mg/mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe for subcutaneous injection
  • 45 mg/0.5 mL in a single-dose vial for subcutaneous injection, and
  • 130 mg/26 mL in a single-dose vial for intravenous infusion

Selarsdi is being offered at an 85% discount off the wholesale acquisition cost of Stelara. Eligible patients may receive their medication at no cost or may qualify for assistance through Teva’s programs, according to a company spokesperson. 

Sandoz’s Pyzchiva, developed by Samsung Bioepis, was approved in the US on 28 June 2024. The FDA approved Pyzchiva in the following formulations: 45 mg/0.5 mL and 90 mg/mL pre-filled syringes for subcutaneous injection, and 130 mg/26 mL (5 mg/mL) single-dose vial for intravenous infusion [3].  

Pyzchiva had already received European Commission approval on 22 April 2024 [4]. 

Both Selarsdi and Pyzchiva are approved for all indications of their reference medicine. The FDA has granted both products a provisional determination of interchangeability with Stelara, with exclusivity expiring on 30 April 2025. This follows  the approval of the first interchangeable biosimilar – Amgen’s Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) [5].

Related articles
EMA recommends approval of biosimilar tocilizumab Tofidence and ustekinumab Wezenla

J&J lawsuits settled over ustekinumab biosimilars

LATIN AMERICAN FORUM
The objective of GaBI’s Latin American Forum is to provide you with all the latest news and updates on developments of generic and biosimilar medicines in Latin America in Spanish.

View the latest headline article: IFPMA publica su posición sobre la sustitución de biosimilares mediada por farmacias

Browse the news in the Latin American Forum!

Register to receive the GaBI Latin American Forum newsletter. Inform colleagues and friends of this new initiative.

FORO LATINOAMERICANO
El objetivo del Foro Latinoamericano de GaBI es brindarle las últimas noticias y actualizaciones sobre desarrollos de medicamentos genéricos y biosimilares en América Latina en español.

Ver el último artículo de cabecera: IFPMA publica su posición sobre la sustitución de biosimilares mediada por farmacias

!Explore las noticias en el Foro Latinoamericano!

Regístrese para recibir el boletín informativo GaBI Foro Latinoamericano. Informe a colegas y amigos sobre esta nueva iniciativa. 

 

References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars of ustekinumab [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/biosimilars-of-ustekinumab
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. FDA approves ustekinumab, trastuzumab, and tocilizumab biosimilars [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/fda-approves-ustekinumab-trastuzumab-and-tocilizumab-biosimilars
3. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. FDA approves third ustekinumab biosimilar Pyzchiva [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/fda-approves-third-ustekinumab-biosimilar-pyzchiva
4. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. EC biosimilar approvals: Omlyclo, Jubbonti/Wyost, and Pyzchiva [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/ec-biosimilar-approvals-omlyclo-jubbonti-wyost-and-pyzchiva
5. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. FDA approves first interchangeable ustekinumab biosimilar Wezlana [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/fda-approves-first-interchangeable-ustekinumab-biosimilar-wezlana

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.

Copyright – Unless otherwise stated all contents of this website are © 2025 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.

comment icon Comments (0)
Post your comment
Most viewed articles
About GaBI
Home/About GaBI Posted 06/08/2009
EU guidelines for biosimilars
EMA logo 1 V13C15
Home/Guidelines Posted 08/10/2010