On 16 September 2025, First Word Pharma reported that Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation’s (MTPC) contract with Janssen for co-promotion activities for Janssen’s Stelara® (ustekinumab) in Japan will end on 31 December 2025.
Under the co-promotion agreement, MTPC has been responsible for distribution of Stelara® in Japan, with both MTPC and Janssen jointly conducting promotion of Stelara® to healthcare professionals. After 31 December 2025, Janssen will exclusively handle the sales, distribution, and information provision activities for Stelara® in Japan, with MTPC continuing the distribution of Stelara® bearing the MTPC name until the inventory is depleted.
This news follows a series of recent announcements by biosimilar competitors relating to the launch of ustekinumab in Japan, including:
- Celltrion’s launch of Steqeyma® (CT-P43), biosimilar to Stelara®, in Japan on 8 July 2025.
- Samsung Bioepis’ partnership agreement with NIPRO Corporation in Japan for multiple biosimilars, including SB17, Samsung Bioepis’ biosimilar to Stelara®.
- Biocon Biologics’ May 2025 announcement that Yoshindo, its commercial partner, launched Ustekinumab BS Subcutaneous Injection in Japan for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis.