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Immunology & rheumatology · High-demand molecule

Adalimumab (adalimumab)

Adalimumab is a tnf blocker — recombinant fully human igg1 monoclonal antibody against tnf-alpha (biologic dmard / bdmard) from AbbVie (originally developed and marketed by Abbott Laboratories; initial U.S. approval 2002), marketed originally as Humira. This monograph covers approved indications, mechanism, dosing, side effects, the generic manufacturer landscape and verified list prices.

Overview

Adalimumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that blocks tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), one of the central messenger molecules of inflammation. It was first approved in the United States in 2002 as Humira (AbbVie) and went on to become the highest-selling medicine in the world, becoming the reference biologic for rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology. It is given by subcutaneous injection, most commonly 40 mg every other week after an optional loading dose, and is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and non-infectious uveitis.

Because adalimumab suppresses a key node of the immune response, the FDA requires a boxed warning for serious infections and malignancy. Tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections and hepatitis B reactivation have all been reported, so latent TB testing and hepatitis B screening are mandatory before the first injection. Lymphoma and other malignancies, including fatal hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease, are also flagged. Injection site reactions and upper respiratory infections are the most common day-to-day complaints.

Adalimumab is a biologic, so there is no generic in the small-molecule sense. Follow-on products are biosimilars approved under FDA 351(k) or the EMA biosimilar pathway, and several of them, including adalimumab-adbm (Cyltezo), hold FDA interchangeability status. Zydus Cadila's Exemptia, launched in India in December 2014, was the world's first approved adalimumab similar biologic, followed by Adfrar (Torrent), Plamumab (Cipla), Adaly (Glenmark) and Mabura (Hetero). In Bangladesh MedEx lists locally made Advixa and Adimab at BDT 8,000 per syringe alongside imported Hyrimoz and Yuflyma. Prices vary enormously between markets, which is the single biggest reason patients in Asia seek a biosimilar instead of the originator brand.

Adalimumab price list — Bangladesh

Every DGDA-registered brand of this molecule with its list unit price, including the originator for comparison. Bangladesh is the most transparent reference market for on-patent generics.

Brand Manufacturer Strength Unit price ≈ USD Pack
Adali Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC 40 mg/0.8 ml SC Injection
Adalimab Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 40 mg/0.8 ml SC Injection
Adimab Drug International Ltd. 40 mg/0.8 ml SC Injection
Advixa Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 40 mg/0.8 ml SC Injection
Hyrimoz SANDOZ (A Novartis Division) 40 mg/0.8 ml SC Injection 2's pack: ৳ 28,652.00
Yuflyma ZAS Corporation (Mfg. by: Celltrion Pharma Inc, Korea) 40 mg/0.4 ml SC Injection

Source: MedEx Bangladesh drug registry (list prices of DGDA-registered brands). Unit prices move with pack size, pharmacy and exchange rate — reference only. Original registry page

How it works

Adalimumab is a lab-made antibody that binds to TNF-alpha, a chemical messenger that drives inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha it reduces joint swelling and pain and calms inflammation in the gut, skin and eyes.

Adalimumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody with human-derived heavy and light chain variable regions and human IgG1:k constant regions. It binds specifically to human TNF-alpha and neutralizes its biological function by blocking interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors; it also lyses surface TNF-expressing cells in vitro in the presence of complement. Blocking TNF-alpha reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production, adhesion molecule expression and leukocyte migration.

Approved indications

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: moderately to severely active RA in adults — reduces signs/symptoms, induces major clinical response, inhibits progression of structural damage, improves physical function
  • Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: moderately to severely active pJIA in patients 2 years of age and older
  • Psoriatic arthritis: active PsA in adults — reduces signs/symptoms, inhibits structural damage progression, improves physical function
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: active AS in adults — reduces signs and symptoms
  • Crohn's disease: moderately to severely active CD in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older
  • Ulcerative colitis: moderately to severely active UC in adults and pediatric patients 5 years and older
  • Plaque psoriasis: moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa: moderate to severe HS in patients 12 years of age and older
  • Non-infectious uveitis: intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older

Dosage & administration

Adults (RA, PsA, AS): 40 mg subcutaneous every other week. Some RA patients not receiving methotrexate may increase to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis: 80 mg initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later. Crohn's disease: 160 mg on Day 1, 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week from Day 29. Ulcerative colitis: same 160/80/40 mg regimen; discontinue if no clinical remission by week 8 (Day 57). Hidradenitis suppurativa: 160 mg Day 1, 80 mg Day 15, then 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week from Day 29.

Dose adjustment

Pediatric dosing is weight-based (10 kg to <15 kg: 10 mg every other week; 15 kg to <30 kg: 20 mg every other week; 30 kg and greater: 40 mg every other week for JIA/pediatric uveitis). The FDA label states that no pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, and no renal- or hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is specified in the label.

Side effects

Upper respiratory tract infection · Sinusitis · Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness, itching) · Headache · Rash · New-onset or worsening demyelinating disease

Serious reactions to watch for
  • Serious bacterial, fungal, viral and opportunistic infections including tuberculosis
  • Reactivation of hepatitis B
  • Lymphoma and other malignancies, including hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) in adolescents/young adults with IBD
  • New-onset or worsening heart failure
  • Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis
  • Cytopenias (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
  • Lupus-like syndrome
Boxed warning

SERIOUS INFECTIONS and MALIGNANCY. Increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis), and infections due to other opportunistic pathogens. Discontinue if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis during treatment. Perform a test for latent TB; if positive, start treatment for TB prior to starting therapy, and monitor all patients for active TB even if the initial latent TB test is negative. Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers. Post-marketing cases of fatal hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) have occurred in adolescent and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease treated with TNF blockers.

Monitoring

  • Test for latent TB before starting and during therapy; treat latent TB before starting; monitor for active TB throughout
  • Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of serious infection during and after treatment
  • Monitor for hepatitis B virus reactivation in HBV carriers
  • Monitor for new-onset or worsening heart failure and discontinue if it occurs
  • Monitor for neurologic symptoms suggestive of demyelinating disease
  • Monitor blood counts for cytopenias and monitor for hypersensitivity/injection reactions
  • Monitor for malignancy during and after treatment

Generic and biosimilar landscape

Adalimumab is a biologic: there is no AB-rated generic, no ANDA and no interchangeable 'generic' in the small-molecule sense. Follow-on products are biosimilars licensed under FDA 351(k) or the EMA biosimilar pathway and must demonstrate analytical, non-clinical and clinical similarity to the reference product; they are not pharmacy-substitutable for Humira unless the regulator grants interchangeability. Several adalimumab biosimilars (e.g. adalimumab-adbm/Cyltezo) hold FDA interchangeability status. Zydus Cadila's Exemptia is an Indian 'similar biologic' approved by the DCGI, not an FDA/EMA biosimilar, so it cannot be treated as a generic substitute.

Who makes it

ManufacturerCountryBrandStrengthNotes
Zydus Cadila India Exemptia 40 mg/0.8 mL pen/syringe World's first launched adalimumab biosimilar (Dec 2014), approved by the Drug Controller General of India; MRP around INR 23,437
Torrent Pharmaceuticals India Adfrar 40 mg injection Adalimumab biosimilar launched in India in 2016; Indian listed price range roughly INR 9,843-28,307
Cipla India Plamumab 40 mg injection Adalimumab biosimilar marketed in India
Glenmark India Adaly 40 mg injection Adalimumab biosimilar marketed in India
Hetero Drugs India Mabura 40 mg injection Adalimumab biosimilar marketed in India
Biocon Biologics India Adalimumab-fkjp (marketed as Hulio in some markets) 40 mg/0.4 mL and 40 mg/0.8 mL pen/prefilled syringe Biocon Biologics holds global rights to biosimilar adalimumab under an expanded Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin in-licensing agreement (Dec 2025); FDA-approved biosimilar product
Sandoz Switzerland (marketed in Bangladesh) Hyrimoz 40 mg/0.8 mL Biosimilar sold in Bangladesh; MedEx listed price BDT 14,326 per 0.8 mL prefilled syringe (2-pack BDT 28,652)
Celltrion South Korea / Bangladesh Yuflyma 40 mg/0.4 mL High-concentration, citrate-free biosimilar; US interchangeability designation (2025); MedEx listed price BDT 16,000 per 0.4 mL syringe in Bangladesh
Mabwell / Junshi Biosciences China (approved in Indonesia) 9MW0113 (Junmaikang) Not confirmed in retrieved source First China-developed adalimumab biosimilar to receive BPOM marketing approval in Indonesia (announced 31 December 2025)

Availability in Southeast Asia

CountryStatusNotes
BangladeshMultiple locally manufactured and imported adalimumab biosimilars registered and price-listedMedEx lists Advixa (Incepta) and Adimab (Drug International) at BDT 8,000, Adali (Beacon) and Adalimab (Healthcare Pharma) at BDT 15,000, plus imported Hyrimoz (Sandoz) and Yuflyma (Celltrion)
IndonesiaBiosimilar approved by BPOM (first China-developed adalimumab biosimilar)Mabwell/Junshi 9MW0113 received Indonesian marketing approval announced 31 December 2025
IndiaMultiple biosimilars marketed (regional comparator rather than SEA)Exemptia, Adfrar, Adaly, Mabura, Plamumab, Cadalimab, Amab, Humimab HC
MalaysiaNot confirmed by retrieved sources
ThailandNot confirmed by retrieved sources
PhilippinesNot confirmed by retrieved sources
VietnamNot confirmed by retrieved sources
SingaporeNot confirmed by retrieved sources

Price by country

Reference prices by market

MarketProductListed priceSource
Bangladesh Adalimumab biosimilars 40 mg/0.8 mL (Advixa/Incepta, Adimab/Drug International, Adali/Beacon, Adalimab/Healthcare Pharma, Hyrimoz/Sandoz, Yuflyma/Celltrion) BDT 8,000 (Advixa, Adimab) to BDT 16,000 (Yuflyma) per prefilled syringe; Hyrimoz BDT 14,326 medex.com.bd
India Exemptia 40 mg (Zydus Lifesciences) INR 23,437 (listed range on 1mg) 1mg.com
India Adfrar (Torrent Pharmaceuticals) INR 9,843 to INR 28,307 depending on variant 1mg.com
India Exemptia 40 mg injection MRP INR 23,437.5 (listed at INR 5,625) mrmed.in

Frequently asked questions

Is adalimumab a generic or a biosimilar?

Adalimumab is a biologic: there is no AB-rated generic, no ANDA and no interchangeable 'generic' in the small-molecule sense. Follow-on products are biosimilars licensed under FDA 351(k) or the EMA biosimilar pathway and must demonstrate analytical, non-clinical and clinical similarity to the reference product; they are not pharmacy-substitutable for Humira unless the regulator grants interchangeability. Several adalimumab biosimilars (e.g. adalimumab-adbm/Cyltezo) hold FDA interchangeability status. Zydus Cadila's Exemptia is an Indian 'similar biologic' approved by the DCGI, not an FDA/EMA biosimilar, so it cannot be treated as a generic substitute. Manufacturers supplying adalimumab generic versions include Biocon Biologics, Celltrion, Cipla, Glenmark, Hetero Drugs, Mabwell / Junshi Biosciences, Sandoz, Torrent Pharmaceuticals. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Adali, Adalimab, Adimab, Advixa, Hyrimoz, Yuflyma.

What is the difference between Humira and Exemptia?

Adalimumab (TNF blocker — recombinant fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha (biologic DMARD / bDMARD), originally Humira (修美乐) by AbbVie (originally developed and marketed by Abbott Laboratories; initial U.S. approval 2002)) Adalimumab is a lab-made antibody that binds to TNF-alpha, a chemical messenger that drives inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha it reduces joint swelling and pain and calms inflammation in the gut, skin and eyes. Adults (RA, PsA, AS): 40 mg subcutaneous every other week. Some RA patients not receiving methotrexate may increase to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis: 80 mg initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later. Crohn's disease: 160 mg on Day 1, 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week from Day 29. Ulcerative colitis: same 160/80/40 m

How much does adalimumab cost in India and Bangladesh?

Bangladesh unit prices for adalimumab are not published per unit; the registry lists pack prices only. Prices move with pack size, pharmacy and the exchange rate — confirm current stock and price with a licensed importer before ordering.

What is the dose of adalimumab for rheumatoid arthritis?

Standard dosing for adalimumab: Adults (RA, PsA, AS): 40 mg subcutaneous every other week. Some RA patients not receiving methotrexate may increase to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis: 80 mg initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later. Crohn's disease: 160 mg on Day 1, 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week from Day 29. Ulcerative colitis: same 160/80/40 mg regimen; discontinue if no clinical remission by week 8 (Day 57). Hidradenitis suppurativa: 160 mg Day 1, 80 mg Day 15, then 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week from Day 29. Dose adjustments: Pediatric dosing is weight-based (10 kg to <15 kg: 10 mg every other week; 15 kg to <30 kg: 20 mg every other week; 30 kg and greater: 40 mg every other week for JIA/pediatric uveitis). The FDA label states that no pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, and no renal- or hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is specified in the label.

Is an adalimumab biosimilar as effective and safe as Humira?

Adalimumab is a biologic: there is no AB-rated generic, no ANDA and no interchangeable 'generic' in the small-molecule sense. Follow-on products are biosimilars licensed under FDA 351(k) or the EMA biosimilar pathway and must demonstrate analytical, non-clinical and clinical similarity to the reference product; they are not pharmacy-substitutable for Humira unless the regulator grants interchangeability. Several adalimumab biosimilars (e.g. adalimumab-adbm/Cyltezo) hold FDA interchangeability status. Zydus Cadila's Exemptia is an Indian 'similar biologic' approved by the DCGI, not an FDA/EMA biosimilar, so it cannot be treated as a generic substitute. Manufacturers supplying adalimumab generic versions include Biocon Biologics, Celltrion, Cipla, Glenmark, Hetero Drugs, Mabwell / Junshi Biosciences, Sandoz, Torrent Pharmaceuticals. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Adali, Adalimab, Adimab, Advixa, Hyrimoz, Yuflyma.

What is the boxed warning on Humira?

Adalimumab (TNF blocker — recombinant fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha (biologic DMARD / bDMARD), originally Humira (修美乐) by AbbVie (originally developed and marketed by Abbott Laboratories; initial U.S. approval 2002)) Adalimumab is a lab-made antibody that binds to TNF-alpha, a chemical messenger that drives inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha it reduces joint swelling and pain and calms inflammation in the gut, skin and eyes. Adults (RA, PsA, AS): 40 mg subcutaneous every other week. Some RA patients not receiving methotrexate may increase to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis: 80 mg initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later. Crohn's disease: 160 mg on Day 1, 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week from Day 29. Ulcerative colitis: same 160/80/40 m

How long can adalimumab be kept out of the refrigerator?

Storage: Store in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton until use to protect from light. Do not freeze. If needed (for example when travelling), Humira may be stored at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 14 days. Do not use if the liquid has flakes or particles, has been frozen, or is past expiry. Keep the product in its original packaging and check the expiry date printed on the pack.

Why do I need a tuberculosis test before starting adalimumab?

Recommended monitoring for adalimumab: Test for latent TB before starting and during therapy; treat latent TB before starting; monitor for active TB throughout; Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of serious infection during and after treatment; Monitor for hepatitis B virus reactivation in HBV carriers; Monitor for new-onset or worsening heart failure and discontinue if it occurs; Monitor for neurologic symptoms suggestive of demyelinating disease; Monitor blood counts for cytopenias and monitor for hypersensitivity/injection reactions; Monitor for malignancy during and after treatment

What is the half-life of adalimumab and how often is it injected?

Standard dosing for adalimumab: Adults (RA, PsA, AS): 40 mg subcutaneous every other week. Some RA patients not receiving methotrexate may increase to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis: 80 mg initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later. Crohn's disease: 160 mg on Day 1, 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week from Day 29. Ulcerative colitis: same 160/80/40 mg regimen; discontinue if no clinical remission by week 8 (Day 57). Hidradenitis suppurativa: 160 mg Day 1, 80 mg Day 15, then 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week from Day 29. Dose adjustments: Pediatric dosing is weight-based (10 kg to <15 kg: 10 mg every other week; 15 kg to <30 kg: 20 mg every other week; 30 kg and greater: 40 mg every other week for JIA/pediatric uveitis). The FDA label states that no pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, and no renal- or hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is specified in the label.

Is adalimumab used for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

Adalimumab is approved for: Rheumatoid arthritis: moderately to severely active RA in adults — reduces signs/symptoms, induces major clinical response, inhibits progression of structural damage, improves physical function; Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: moderately to severely active pJIA in patients 2 years of age and older; Psoriatic arthritis: active PsA in adults — reduces signs/symptoms, inhibits structural damage progression, improves physical function; Ankylosing spondylitis: active AS in adults — reduces signs and symptoms; Crohn's disease: moderately to severely active CD in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. It is a adalimumab (TNF blocker — recombinant fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha), originally marketed as Humira (修美乐) by AbbVie (originally developed and marketed by Abbott Laboratories; initial U.S. approval 2002).

Sources

  1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/125057s424lbl.pdf
  2. https://medex.com.bd/generics/31/adalimumab/brand-names
  3. https://www.1mg.com/generics/adalimumab-213407
  4. https://www.mrmed.in/medicines/exemptia-40mg-injection
  5. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zydus-launches-worlds-first-biosimilar-of-adalimumab-285185321.html
  6. https://gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/Adalimumab-similar-biologic-launched-in-India
  7. https://www.biosimilardevelopment.com/doc/torrent-pharma-forays-specialty-launches-adfrar-adalimumab-0001
  8. https://www.biocon.com/docs/BBL_FKB_Hulio_Deal_PR.pdf
  9. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mabwells-adalimumab-biosimilar-receives-marketing-approval-in-indonesia-302651083.html
  10. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4bd2d616-e2e9-465e-ad81-715800ee2755
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