Ustekinumab Global Buyers List: Complete Market Guide for Suppliers & Exporters

Ustekinumab, a human monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 cytokines, has become a cornerstone in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Originally approved for plaque psoriasis, its therapeutic applications have expanded to include psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. As the global market for this biologic continues to grow—valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2031—understanding the landscape of global buyers has never been more critical for pharmaceutical suppliers and exporters.

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth analysis of the Ustekinumab global buyers list, market dynamics, key importing countries, and strategic insights for suppliers looking to penetrate or expand their presence in this lucrative market.


Understanding the Ustekinumab Market Landscape

Market Size and Growth Trajectory

The global Ustekinumab market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases, increasing healthcare expenditure, and a global shift toward biologic therapies. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.27% through 2031. North America currently dominates the market, followed by Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

The Biosimilar Revolution

A transformative shift is underway in the Ustekinumab market. The beginning of 2025 marked the start of biosimilar competition following Stelara’s loss of exclusivity. With 15 approved Ustekinumab biosimilars, it has become the second most competitive biosimilar market, following adalimumab. Major players including Amgen, Alvotech, Samsung Bioepis, Fresenius Kabi, and Biocon Biologics have entered the space.

This biosimilar expansion has created new opportunities for buyers and suppliers alike, with some entrants providing wholesale acquisition cost discounts exceeding 80%. For global buyers, this means increased options, competitive pricing, and broader access to treatment.


Ustekinumab Global Buyers List: Who Is Importing?

India’s Export Market: A Window into Global Demand

India has emerged as a significant exporter of Ustekinumab, with 23 registered manufacturers shipping to buyers across more than 10 countries. Between 2022 and 2026, India exported USD 1.3 million worth of Ustekinumab across 276 verified shipments. This data provides valuable intelligence on the global buyers list and purchasing patterns.

Top Ustekinumab Importers from India

Based on Indian Customs (DGFT) data, the following are the leading Ustekinumab importers ranked by import value:

RankBuyer NameCountryImport ValueMarket Share
1AS PER INVOICE BRAZILBrazil$112.2K8.8%
2SHIMA HIROMIJapan$105.7K8.3%
3TO THE CONCERN PERSONBrazil$56.2K4.4%
4TO THE CONSIGNEE-Saudi Arabia$46.6K3.7%
5NEUSA ALVES DA SILVABrazil$29.7K2.3%
6ISIS DE OLIVEIRA MELO FELTRINBrazil$24.1K1.9%
7IMPORT MANAGER INTERNATIONAL SALES COTurkey$22.1K1.7%
8DAWAA DRUG STORE LLCUAE1.5%

The top 5 buyers collectively control 27.5% of total import value, reflecting a moderately competitive buyer landscape. Brazil emerges as the dominant destination, accounting for 71.5% of India’s total Ustekinumab exports, followed by Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Complete Buyer Network

The combined buyer network spans 16 named purchasing companies across multiple continents, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, hospital procurement groups, and generic drug producers. This diverse buyer base presents multiple entry points for suppliers at various stages of the supply chain.


Major Ustekinumab Suppliers and Their Buyer Relationships

Understanding the supplier landscape is equally important for buyers seeking reliable partners. The Ustekinumab export market from India is led by several key manufacturers:

SupplierExport ValueMarket ShareShipments
GNH INDIA PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED$196.0K15.4%33
BIOCON BIOLOGICS INDIA LIMITED$160.7K12.6%
NIVIRA EXPORTS$137.3K10.8%
VAMA LIFECARE PRIVATE LIMITED$126.1K9.9%
R B INTERNATIONAL$74.6K5.9%

The top two suppliers—GNH India Pharmaceuticals and Biocon Biologics—account for 28.0% of all Ustekinumab exports, indicating a relatively concentrated supply base. The single largest buyer relationship is AS PER INVOICE BRAZIL, receiving $112.2K worth of product.

India’s Import Market: Who Supplies India?

India also imports Ustekinumab from 8 countries with a combined import value of $4.0 million. The largest suppliers to India include:

Origin CountryImport ValueShare
Netherlands$1.5M37.3%
United States$1.1M27.8%
Switzerland$1.0M26.0%
Ireland$218.3K5.4%
Belgium$109.6K2.7%

This bidirectional trade flow highlights the global nature of the Ustekinumab supply chain and the interconnectedness of pharmaceutical markets.


How to Find and Engage Ustekinumab Buyers

1. Leverage Trade Data Platforms

Platforms like TransDataNexus provide access to customs records from the Indian Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), offering real-time intelligence on active buyers, shipment values, and supplier relationships. These platforms can help suppliers identify:

  • Active buyers by country
  • Purchase frequency and volume
  • Competitor supplier relationships
  • Market share distribution

2. Target Key Geographic Markets

Based on current trade data, the most promising markets for Ustekinumab exports include:

  • Brazil: The largest destination for Indian Ustekinumab exports, absorbing 71.5% of total exports
  • Japan: A significant market with high healthcare standards and strong demand for biologics
  • Saudi Arabia: Growing pharmaceutical procurement in the Middle East
  • Turkey: An emerging market with increasing biologic adoption
  • United Arab Emirates: A regional hub for pharmaceutical distribution

3. Participate in Tender Processes

Institutional buyers, particularly in Europe, frequently procure Ustekinumab through formal tender processes. For example, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has established framework agreements for Ustekinumab supply involving multiple suppliers including Amgen, Sandoz, Celltrion Healthcare, and Janssen Cilag. Suppliers should monitor tender announcements on platforms like Find a Tender and BidStats.

4. Partner with Established Distributors

Many global buyers prefer to work through established distributors. Key distributors and commercialization partners in the Ustekinumab space include:

  • Hikma Pharmaceuticals: Commercializing Starjemza (ustekinumab-hmny) in the United States
  • CivicaScript: Exclusive distributor of unbranded ustekinumab-aauz produced by Fresenius Kabi
  • Tabuk Pharmaceuticals: Partnering with Bio-Thera Solutions for BAT2206 in Saudi Arabia
  • Optum’s Nuvaila: Biosimilar procurement business distributing Wezlana

5. Establish API Supply Relationships

For suppliers of Ustekinumab API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient), platforms like PharmaOffer and Pharmatradz connect manufacturers with global buyers. API suppliers should ensure GMP certification and compliance with global pharmacopeia standards (USP/EP/JP).


Key Market Trends Affecting Global Buyers

1. Biosimilar Market Expansion

The Ustekinumab biosimilar market is rapidly expanding. Key approved biosimilars include:

  • Wezlana/Wezenla (Amgen) – FDA approved 2023, EMA approved 2024
  • Usgena (Alvotech/Teva/STADA)
  • Starjemza (Bio-Thera Solutions/Hikma) – FDA approved 2025
  • Yesintek (Biocon Biologics) – Multiple US market access agreements

This expansion creates more options for buyers and increased competition among suppliers, potentially driving down costs.

2. Regulatory and Tariff Impacts

The imposition of revised United States tariffs on biologic imports in 2025 has introduced new variables in the supply chain equation. Manufacturers and distributors are reevaluating sourcing strategies, exploring localized production partnerships, and adopting dual-sourcing models to mitigate supply disruptions. Buyers should be aware of how these factors may affect pricing and availability.

3. Shift Toward Patient-Centric Delivery

Advances in delivery technology have transformed Ustekinumab administration from hospital-based infusion to self-administered subcutaneous injection. Prefilled syringes and autoinjector devices have enhanced patient adherence and broadened the therapy’s appeal. Buyers should consider these factors when selecting products and suppliers.

4. Growing Indications

Ustekinumab’s applications continue to expand beyond psoriasis to include psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and potentially other inflammatory conditions. This expansion drives market growth and creates new procurement opportunities.


Strategic Recommendations for Suppliers

For API Manufacturers

  1. Obtain GMP Certification: Ensure compliance with global pharmacopeia standards to qualify as a preferred supplier
  2. Build Regulatory Dossiers: Maintain up-to-date Drug Master Files (DMF) for major markets
  3. Develop Biosimilar Partnerships: Collaborate with finished-dose manufacturers and commercialization partners

For Finished-Dose Manufacturers

  1. Target High-Growth Markets: Focus on Brazil, Japan, and Middle Eastern markets where demand is strong
  2. Monitor Tender Opportunities: Particularly in Europe and institutional procurement channels
  3. Build Direct Buyer Relationships: Leverage trade data to identify and engage active importers
  4. Differentiate Through Delivery Formats: Offer patient-friendly administration options

For Distributors and Traders

  1. Map the Supplier Network: Understand which manufacturers are supplying which buyers
  2. Identify Gaps in the Market: Look for underserved regions or buyer segments
  3. Monitor Biosimilar Entrants: New product launches create distribution opportunities

Challenges and Considerations

Competition and Pricing Pressure

The presence of multiple treatment options for the same conditions, combined with biosimilar competition, creates pricing pressures within the market. Suppliers must compete on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Regulatory Complexity

Navigating regulatory requirements across different countries remains a significant challenge. Buyers and suppliers must stay informed about evolving regulatory frameworks in their target markets.

Supply Chain Resilience

The biologic supply chain is complex and requires careful management of temperature-sensitive products. Tariffs and trade policies add additional layers of complexity.


JOHNSON JOHNSON PRIVATE LIMITED
CÔNG TY TNHH JOHNSON JOHNSON VIỆT NAM
JANSSEN CILAG SA DE CV
JOHNSON AND JOHNSON PRIVATE LIMITED
JANSSEN CILAG SA
BIOCON BIOLOGICS LIMITED
MXRX ONESTOP PHARMACY LIMITED
IMPERIAL LIFE SCIENCES PRIVATE LIMITED
BIO RAD LABORATORIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB DE CHILE
CELLTRION HEALTHCARE PERU S A C
BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB DE MEXICO S DE RL DE CV
CURATEQ BIOLOGICS PRIVATE LIMITED
IQVIA TIBBI ISTATISTIK TICARET VE MUSAVIRLIK LIMITED SIRKETI
JOHNSON Y JOHNSON DE CHILE SA
LAMBDA THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH LIMITED
MB SERVICIOS REGULATORIOS S R L
OPTUM SPECIALTY SERVICES
PAREXEL INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL RESEARCH PRIVATE LI
PLAZA QUEBEC SOCIEDAD ANONIMA
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AMGEN MEXICO SA DE CV
BANGLADESH LABWARE CORPORATION
BIOMEDICAL LIFE SCIENCES
EVEREST PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED
KRISHGEN BIOSYSTEMS
KRISHGEN BIOSYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED
LOGISTICS BUSINESS SERVICES SOCIEDAD DE RESPONSABILIDAD LIMITADA
MNBF FOR A HEALTHY GENERATION
OPTUM SPECIALTY DISTRIBUTION LLC
PERSONS INSTITUTIONS HOSPITALS IMPORTING OR EXPO
PHARMALAB PHL LABS S A S
QUEHENBERGER LOGISTICS BEL FOR FOREIGN COMPANY INTERFARMAX
TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS
VALERIAN CHEM PRIVATE LIMITED
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Conclusion

The Ustekinumab global buyers list reflects a dynamic and growing market characterized by geographic concentration, biosimilar disruption, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE represent the most significant destinations for current exports, with a diverse network of buyers including pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare institutions.

For suppliers and exporters, success in this market requires:

  • Deep understanding of buyer behavior and preferences
  • Strategic targeting of high-growth geographic markets
  • Regulatory compliance and quality assurance
  • Adaptation to the biosimilar revolution
  • Building resilient and diversified supply chains

As the Ustekinumab market continues to expand—projected to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2031—the opportunities for global buyers and suppliers will only grow. Those who understand the market dynamics, build strong relationships, and adapt to changing conditions will be best positioned to succeed in this competitive and rewarding pharmaceutical segment.


Disclaimer: All trade data presented in this article is derived from Indian Customs (DGFT) records and is provided for informational purposes only. Market values and buyer lists may vary based on data reporting periods and methodologies.

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