Skyrizi's List Price Without Insurance
Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa), an IL-23 inhibitor for plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, has a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of about $6,000–$7,000 per 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe or autoinjector dose. Most patients need two doses for the initial loading phase (150 mg total per dose, given 4 weeks apart), then one dose every 12 weeks for maintenance. This puts annual costs at $24,000–$28,000 without discounts.[1][2]
How Patient Costs Vary with Insurance and Assistance
Actual out-of-pocket costs drop sharply with coverage:
- Commercial insurance: Copays often $0–$50 per dose after deductibles via AbbVie's myAbbVie Assist program.
- Medicare Part D: $0–$100 monthly post-catastrophic coverage; prior authorizations common.
- Uninsured: AbbVie patient assistance covers full cost for those earning under $100K (household).[3]
Prices fluctuate by pharmacy and location; GoodRx coupons can cut cash prices to $5,500–$6,500 per dose.[4]
Factors Driving Skyrizi's High Price
AbbVie sets pricing based on clinical outcomes (e.g., 75–90% skin clearance in trials) and market competition, but U.S. list prices exceed those in Canada ($4,500/dose equivalent) or Europe due to no price controls. Inflationary rebates to PBMs keep net prices lower for payers.[1][5]
Cheaper Alternatives and Biosimilar Timelines
| Drug | Condition | Dose Frequency | List Price per Dose (approx.) | Key Difference |
|------|-----------|----------------|-------------------------------|---------------|
| Tremfya (guselkumab) | Psoriasis, PsA | Every 8 weeks | $6,500 | Similar efficacy; more flexible dosing |
| Cosentyx (secukinumab) | Psoriasis, AS, PsA | Every 4 weeks | $5,500–$6,000 | IL-17 inhibitor; broader approvals |
| Stelara (ustekinumab) | Psoriasis, Crohn's, UC | Every 12 weeks | $12,000 (higher cumulative) | IL-12/23; biosimilars launching 2025 |
| Ilumya (tildrakizumab) | Psoriasis only | Every 12 weeks | $5,000 | Lower efficacy in head-to-heads |
No Skyrizi biosimilars yet; core patents expire 2033–2035, with challenges possible earlier.[6][7]
When Does Skyrizi's Patent Protection End?
Primary composition-of-matter patent (US 8,119,600) expires March 2033. Method-of-use and formulation patents extend to 2035–2037. No FDA-approved biosimilars; AbbVie litigates actively against challengers.[6]
[1]: Drugs.com - Skyrizi Pricing
[2]: GoodRx - Skyrizi
[3]: AbbVie Patient Assistance
[4]: GoodRx Coupons
[5]: IQVIA Institute - Drug Pricing Report
[6]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Skyrizi Patents
[7]: FDA Orange Book - Skyrizi