Teva Pharmaceuticals and Alvotech Announce the Launch of SELARSDI™: A New Biosimilar Treatment Option
Parsippany, N.J., and Reykjavík, Iceland, Feb. 21, 2025 – Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Alvotech, a leading global biotechnology company, are pleased to announce the availability of SELARSDI™ (ustekinumab-aekn) injection in the U.S. market. This biosimilar medication is an alternative to Stelara® (ustekinumab), which is used for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pediatric plaque psoriasis, and pediatric psoriatic arthritis.
Second Biosimilar under the Teva and Alvotech Strategic Partnership
This marks the second biosimilar to be launched under the Teva and Alvotech strategic partnership. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provisionally determined that SELARSDI™ will be interchangeable with Stelara®, following the expiration of exclusivity for the first interchangeable biosimilar. This means that pharmacists can substitute SELARSDI™ for Stelara® without the need for a prescription change.
Impact on Patients and Healthcare System
The availability of SELARSDI™ as an interchangeable biosimilar provides several benefits for patients and the healthcare system:
- Cost Savings: Biosimilars are generally less expensive than their reference biologics, leading to potential cost savings for patients and healthcare systems.
- Improved Access: The introduction of SELARSDI™ increases competition in the market, potentially leading to more treatment options and improved access to care for patients.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Interchangeable biosimilars can be automatically substituted for the reference biologic, reducing the administrative burden on healthcare providers and patients.
Global Impact
The launch of SELARSDI™ in the U.S. is not only significant for American patients but also has global implications. Teva and Alvotech aim to bring this treatment option to other markets, further increasing competition and potentially leading to increased access to affordable, high-quality biologic therapies.
Conclusion
The partnership between Teva Pharmaceuticals and Alvotech continues to bear fruit with the launch of SELARSDI™, an interchangeable biosimilar to Stelara®. This new treatment option provides several benefits for patients and the healthcare system, including cost savings, improved access, and reduced administrative burden. As Teva and Alvotech continue to expand the availability of SELARSDI™ to other markets, the global impact of this collaboration is poised to grow, bringing more affordable, high-quality biologic therapies to patients around the world.
By making these treatments more accessible and affordable, Teva and Alvotech are helping to improve the lives of patients with inflammatory conditions and contributing to the overall sustainability of healthcare systems.
For more information about SELARSDI™ and its indications, please consult your healthcare provider or visit the Teva and Alvotech websites.
