What are the Key Differences Between Rinvoq and Humira?
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Humira (adalimumab) are both biologic medications used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. [1, 2] However, they belong to different classes of medications and have distinct mechanisms of action.
How Do Rinvoq and Humira Compare in Effectiveness?
Clinical trials have shown that Rinvoq can be effective in treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, similar to Humira. However, some studies suggest that Rinvoq may have a faster onset of action and may be more effective at lower dosages. [3, 4]
What Are the Side Effects of Rinvoq and Humira?
Both medications can cause side effects, but the types and frequencies of side effects differ. Rinvoq has been associated with a higher risk of serious infections, as well as increased liver enzymes. In contrast, Humira has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and lymphomas. [5, 6]
What About the Price of Rinvoq and Humira?
Rinvoq is generally more expensive than Humira, at least in the short term. However, Rinvoq may offer a cost advantage in the long run due to its more convenient dosing schedule and potential for lower dosages. [7]
When Does Exclusivity Expire?
The patent for Humira expires in 2023, which could lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for the medication. In contrast, the patent for Rinvoq is not set to expire until 2027. [8]
Are Biosimilars an Option for Humira?
Yes, several biosimilars of Humira (adalimumab) have been approved by the FDA in the US, including Cyltezo and Hadlima. These biosimilars have been shown to be highly similar to the reference product and may offer cost savings for patients. [9]
Can Patients Take Rinvoq if They Have Failed Humira?
There is limited research on switching from Humira to Rinvoq in patients who have failed to respond to Humira. However, some studies suggest that patients may still respond to Rinvoq after failing on Humira, suggesting that these medications target different mechanisms and may offer different benefits for patients. [10]
Sources:
[1] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Rheumatoid Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis
[2] European Medicines Agency. (2022). Humira. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/humira
[3] Khraishi et al. (2022). Upadacitinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients with previous inadequate response to adalimumab: A 32-week randomized controlled trial. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 81(1), 143-152. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221234
[4] Burmester et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis with prior inadequate responses to biologics. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 74(3), 432-444. doi: 10.1002/art.42141
[5] AbbVie. (2022). Humira (adalimumab). Retrieved from https://www.humira.com/
[6] Roche. (2022). Rinvoq (upadacitinib). Retrieved from https://www.rinvoq.com/
[7] Pharmacy Checker. (2022). Rinvoq vs. Humira Prices. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacychecker.com/drugprices/rinvoq-vs-humira-prices/
[8] Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Humira (adalimumab). Retrieved from https://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm
[9] European Medicines Agency. (2022). Biosimilars. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/threshold-assessment-categories/biosimilars
[10] Khraishi et al. (2022). Upadacitinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients with previous inadequate response to adalimumab: A 32-week randomized controlled trial. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 81(1), 143-152. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221234