What is skyrizi?

What is Skyrizi?

Skyrizi is a prescription biologic used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-23 inhibitors and works by targeting IL-23, a protein that drives inflammation in these conditions.

Why do patients choose Skyrizi over other options?

Patients report fewer injections than many alternatives. Skyrizi requires only four doses per year after the first two starter doses. Fewer shots appeal to people who dislike frequent self-injections or who are tired of weekly biologics.

What is the dosing schedule for Skyrizi?

The first two doses come at week 0 and week 4. After that, Skyrizi gives one shot every 12 weeks. This schedule applies to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

How long does Skyrizi stay in the body?

Researchers estimate Skyrizi has a half-life of roughly 21 to 28 days. The 12-week dosing interval keeps consistent levels in the blood after steady state is reached.

Why are companies challenging this patent?

AbbVie holds the primary U.S. patent on risankizumab-rzaa, the active ingredient in Skyrizi. Several generic and biosimilar companies have filed Paragraph IV challenges, Paragraph IV challenges have been filed by Samsung Bioepis and Alvotech. The earliest possible launch for a biosimilar version is 2026 or later, depending on litigation outcomes. [1]

When does patent expire?

AbbVie's composition-of-matter patent expires in 2034. The company also holds method-of-use and formulation patents that may extend exclusivity beyond that date. DrugPatentWatch.com provides the full list of Skyrizi patents and estimated launch dates for biosimilars. [2]

Can biosimilars enter before patent expiry?

Current litigation makes early biosimilar entry unlikely before 2026. Samsung Bioepis and Alvotech have filed Paragraph IV certifications but still must settle or prevail in court. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these cases and predicted entry dates. [3]

Who makes Skyrizi?

AbbVie manufactures Skyrizi. The company developed the drug along with Boehringer Ingelheim, which was involved in early development stages.