The cost of Stelara (ustekinumab) can vary significantly depending on factors such as insurance coverage, geographic location, and whether it is obtained through a prescription savings program. The list price for a 90 mg subcutaneous injection of Stelara can range from approximately $11,400 to $13,000 per dose [1]. Given that Stelara is typically administered every 8 to 12 weeks after initial doses, this would translate to a monthly cost of roughly $2,850 to $6,500 if averaged out, assuming full out-of-pocket payment.
How do insurance plans affect Stelara's cost?
Insurance coverage plays a crucial role in determining a patient's out-of-pocket expenses for Stelara. Many insurance plans include Stelara on their formularies, but copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance will still apply. These costs can differ substantially between insurance providers and specific plans. For instance, a patient might have a copay of a few hundred dollars per prescription or a coinsurance percentage that applies to the drug's cost. Without adequate insurance, the full list price of Stelara can be financially prohibitive.
Are there ways to reduce the cost of Stelara?
Patients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs for Stelara through various programs. The manufacturer, Janssen (a Johnson & Johnson company), offers a Stelara Savings Program for eligible commercially insured patients. This program can reduce copayments to as low as $0 for a 12-month period, subject to program terms and maximum savings limits [2]. Eligibility for these savings programs typically requires having commercial health insurance and meeting specific criteria. Patients without insurance may explore other patient assistance programs or investigate biosimilar options when they become available.
When does Stelara's patent protection expire?
Stelara's patent protection is a critical factor influencing its future cost and the potential for generic or biosimilar competition. The primary patents for Stelara were set to expire around 2023 [3]. However, the patent landscape for drugs can be complex, with multiple patents covering different aspects of the drug, formulation, and use. Patent litigation and exclusivities granted by regulatory bodies can also extend market protection beyond the initial patent expiry dates. Information on specific patent expiry dates and ongoing legal challenges can be found on specialized drug patent tracking websites [3].
What are the alternatives to Stelara?
Several alternative treatments are available for the conditions Stelara treats, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. These alternatives often include other biologic therapies such as adalimumab (Humira), secukinumab (Cosentyx), and ixekizumab (Taltz). Non-biologic medications, including conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and immunosuppressants, may also be considered depending on the specific condition and its severity. The choice of treatment is highly individualized and depends on factors like efficacy, safety profile, patient history, and cost.
What is the typical administration schedule for Stelara?
Stelara is administered via subcutaneous injection. The initial dosing schedule for adults involves two injections spaced eight weeks apart. Following the initial doses, subsequent injections are typically given every 12 weeks for maintenance therapy [1]. For certain indications and in some patient populations, the dosing schedule might vary.
---
1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2. Janssen. "STELARA® (ustekinumab) Savings Program." Retrieved from https://www.janssen.com/our-products/stelara
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. "Stelara (ustekinumab) Patents." Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ Stelara