Celltrion Healthcare said that it has launched its anticancer antibody biosimilar Herzuma in Brazil.

The company held a launching symposium, attended by industry experts in Brazil, such as doctors, insurance companies, and hospital officials, during the Brazilian Clinical Oncology Congress held in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.

Celltrion Healthcare presented Herzuma's global clinical data and sales status to show the drug’s efficacy as well as improved patient access and reduced medical costs.

Brazil is a primary pharmaceutical market for the trastuzumab medicine worth about 270 billion won ($230 million).

Unlike the past, Brazil is creating a positive marketing environment by improving the atmosphere for introducing biosimilars into the public insurance market.

Celltrion Healthcare will focus on Huzuma and plans to collaborate with local partners to carry out sales activities for occupying the Brazilian market centered on major hospitals specialized in the anticancer field.

The Korean company will collaborate with its partners to carry out more aggressive marketing activities and expand its shares in the largest market in South America.

In October, the company also obtained sales approval for Truxima, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilar that treats certain autoimmune diseases and some types of cancer, from the Brazilian health authorities.

"Many Brazilian industry leaders attended the launching symposium, and we expect high growth in the Latin America market for the three products," a company official said. "Starting with the approval of Truxima in Brazil, the company is preparing for direct sales of Herzuma, also in Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and Peru."