Henlius and Organon's POHERDY Becomes First Pertuzumab Biosimilar Approved in Europe

Key Takeaways

• POHERDY becomes the first and only approved pertuzumab biosimilar in Europe, marking a significant regulatory milestone
• Approval covers all indications of reference product PERJETA, potentially improving access to breast cancer treatment
• Partnership between Henlius Biotech and Organon strengthens biosimilar market presence in European oncology sector

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Historic Approval for Breast Cancer Treatment

Shanghai Henlius Biotech (2696.HK) and Organon (NYSE: OGN) announced April 29, 2026, that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for POHERDY® (pertuzumab) 420 mg/14 mL injection, making it the first approved biosimilar to PERJETA® (pertuzumab) in Europe.

The approval encompasses all indications of the reference product, positioning POHERDY as a potentially more accessible treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer across European markets.

Market Impact and Patient Access

This regulatory milestone represents a significant development in the European biosimilar landscape. Pertuzumab, originally developed as PERJETA, is a critical component in treating HER2-positive breast cancer, often used in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy.

The introduction of POHERDY could substantially reduce treatment costs while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, potentially expanding patient access to this essential oncology medication. Healthcare systems across Europe may benefit from increased competition in the pertuzumab market.

Strategic Partnership Strengthens Position

The collaboration between Henlius Biotech, a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company, and Organon, a global healthcare organization, demonstrates the growing importance of international partnerships in biosimilar development and commercialization.

Henlius has established itself as a prominent player in the biosimilar space, while Organon brings extensive European market expertise and distribution capabilities to the partnership.

Regulatory and Commercial Implications

The European Commission’s approval follows rigorous evaluation demonstrating POHERDY’s biosimilarity to the reference product in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy. This achievement may pave the way for additional pertuzumab biosimilars seeking European market entry.

The approval timing positions POHERDY advantageously in the European market, where demand for cost-effective cancer treatments continues growing amid healthcare budget pressures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this approval mean for breast cancer patients in Europe?

Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer will have access to a potentially more affordable biosimilar alternative to PERJETA, which could improve treatment accessibility while maintaining the same therapeutic benefits.

When will POHERDY be available in European markets?

While the European Commission has granted marketing authorization, specific launch timelines will depend on individual country approvals, pricing negotiations, and distribution arrangements by Henlius and Organon.

How does POHERDY compare to the original PERJETA?

As an approved biosimilar, POHERDY has demonstrated comparable quality, safety, and efficacy to PERJETA through rigorous regulatory testing, but is expected to be offered at a lower cost.