Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced that Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. has received approval of Renflexis (infliximab), a biosimilar of the immunology medicine Remicade, by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in Korea. Merck will commercialise Samsung Bioepis’ Renflexis in Korea as part of Merck’s commercialisation partnership with Samsung Bioepis to offer high-quality biosimilar alternatives to existing biologic medicines.

Samsung Bioepis’ Renflexisis indicated in Korea for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adult patients (age 18 years and older). Merck plans to launch Renflexisin South Korea in the first half of 2016.

“Merck is committed to delivering on the promise of biosimilars and we look forward to bringing Renflexisforward to help meet the needs of physicians, patients and healthcare systems,” said Dora Bibila, general manager, Merck Biosimilars.

Merck’s commercial launch of Renflexisin Korea will include comprehensive education and support services for healthcare professionals, patients and their caregivers, including biosimilars education, disease education, and reimbursement and access support.

Merck and Samsung Bioepis announced in February 2013 a development and commercialisation agreement under which Merck will commercialise multiple biosimilar candidates in certain partnered territories. Under terms of the agreement, Samsung Bioepis is responsible for preclinical and clinical development, process development and manufacturing, clinical trials and regulatory registration. Under a separate development and commercialization agreement with Samsung Bioepis announced in February 2014, Merck is responsible for the development, registration, manufacturing and commercialisation of MK-1293 (insulin glargine) worldwide.

Merck will be responsible in its partnered territories for commercialisation of the following biosimilar candidates in immunology, oncology and diabetes [Merck partnered territories]: SB2 Remicade (infliximab) [worldwide ex-EU/Russia/Turkey]; SB4 Enbrel (etanercept) [worldwide ex-U.S./EU/Japan]; SB5 Humira (adalimumab) [worldwide ex-EU/Russia/Turkey]; SB3 Herceptin (trastuzumab) [worldwide]; MK-1293 Lantus (insulin glargine) [worldwide].