Annual List Prices for Stelara and Skyrizi
Stelara (ustekinumab) and Skyrizi (risankizumab) are biologic drugs for conditions like psoriasis and Crohn's disease. Stelara's annual list price is around $68,000 for a 90mg dose every 8 weeks. Skyrizi's is higher at about $78,000 for a 150mg dose every 12 weeks. This makes Skyrizi roughly 15% more expensive on list price alone.[1][2]
How Insurance and Discounts Affect Real Costs
List prices don't reflect what patients pay. With insurance, copays for both can drop to $0-$5,000 annually via manufacturer copay cards—Stelara's card caps out-of-pocket at $4,000/year, Skyrizi's at $0 after $16,100 spent. Medicare patients face similar assistance, but Skyrizi's higher list can lead to bigger initial deductibles. Net prices after rebates to insurers are lower for both (Stelara ~$40,000-$50,000; Skyrizi ~$50,000-$60,000), narrowing the gap.[3][4]
Why Skyrizi Costs More Despite Similar Efficacy
Skyrizi, launched in 2019 by AbbVie, targets IL-23 more selectively than Stelara's IL-12/23 mechanism, potentially justifying premium pricing amid patent battles. Stelara (Janssen) faces biosimilar competition starting 2025, which could slash its price 30-50%. Skyrizi's patents extend to 2033, delaying generics.[5]
Stelara Patent Expiry and Price Drops Ahead
U.S. patents on Stelara's subcutaneous formulation expire January 2025, with biosimilars like Pyzchiva entering mid-year. Analysts predict Stelara's price could fall to $30,000-$40,000 annually post-entry, flipping the cost advantage versus Skyrizi.[6] DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these timelines.
Patient Out-of-Pocket Examples
- Commercial insurance: Skyrizi copay ~$0-$100/month; Stelara similar.
- Uninsured: Skyrizi patient assistance covers full cost for incomes under $100,000; Stelara offers up to $20,000/year free drug.
- For moderate psoriasis (maintenance phase): Skyrizi totals ~$6,500/month list; Stelara ~$5,700/month—difference of $10,000/year pre-discounts.[2][7]
Comparable Alternatives and Their Prices
| Drug | Annual List Price | Dosing Frequency | Key Difference |
|------|-------------------|------------------|---------------|
| Stelara | $68,000 | Every 8 weeks | Broader approvals (psoriasis, Crohn's, UC) |
| Skyrizi | $78,000 | Every 12 weeks | Psoriasis, Crohn's only; fewer infusions |
| Tremfya (guselkumab) | $75,000 | Every 8 weeks | Similar to Skyrizi, IL-23 only |
| Cosentyx (secukinumab) | $65,000 | Every 4 weeks | IL-17; cheaper but more frequent shots[8] |
Prices from IQVIA data (2024); actual costs vary by dose, indication, and location.[1][2]
Sources:
[1] IQVIA National Sales Perspectives, 2024
[2] GoodRx pricing data
[3] Manufacturer patient assistance sites
[4] AbbVie Skyrizi savings card
[5] FDA Orange Book
[6] DrugPatentWatch.com
[7] Health Affairs pricing analysis
[8] JAMA Dermatology cost comparison