See the DrugPatentWatch profile for stelara
Janssen Biotech, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is the company that owns Stelara [1].
When does Stelara's patent protection end?
The exclusivity for Stelara is set to expire in the coming years. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent expiry dates for many medications. Information on when Stelara's patent protection concludes can be found through resources that monitor pharmaceutical patents [2].
What are the alternatives to Stelara?
For patients and healthcare providers seeking alternatives to Stelara, several other medications exist for the conditions Stelara treats, such as plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These alternatives may include other biologic drugs or different classes of medication that target inflammatory pathways [3].
How does Stelara work?
Stelara, with the active ingredient ustekinumab, is a biologic medication that works by targeting specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process. It specifically inhibits the activity of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), cytokines that play a significant role in immune system responses and inflammation associated with certain autoimmune diseases [4].
What is Stelara used for?
Stelara is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult and adolescent patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy [5]. It is also indicated for active psoriatic arthritis in adults, and for moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy or a biologic agent [6].
What are the side effects of Stelara?
Common side effects associated with Stelara include upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, and injection site reactions. More serious, though less common, side effects can involve an increased risk of infections, including serious infections. Patients should discuss potential side effects and their medical history with their doctor before starting treatment [7].
What is the difference between Stelara and other psoriasis treatments?
Stelara is a biologic therapy that targets specific parts of the immune system, differing from topical treatments or systemic non-biologic medications. Its mechanism of action involves blocking IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines, which are key drivers of inflammation in plaque psoriasis. Other psoriasis treatments may work through different mechanisms, such as affecting T-cell activity or reducing inflammation more broadly [4][5].
Are there generic or biosimilar versions of Stelara available?
As of now, generic versions of Stelara are not available. However, biosimilar versions of ustekinumab are in development and may become available after Stelara's market exclusivity periods expire. Biosimilars are highly similar to the original biologic drug and are approved based on a showing of no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and potency [8].
What is the cost of Stelara treatment?
The cost of Stelara can be significant, as is typical for biologic medications. Pricing can vary based on insurance coverage, geographic location, and pharmacy. Patients may explore patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer or look into insurance coverage details to manage treatment costs [1][9].
What clinical trials has Stelara undergone?
Stelara has undergone extensive clinical trials to establish its efficacy and safety for its approved indications. These trials have evaluated its impact on reducing skin lesions in psoriasis, alleviating joint symptoms in psoriatic arthritis, and managing symptoms in Crohn's disease. Ongoing research and post-marketing studies continue to gather data on its long-term use and effects [6][7].
Who manufactures Stelara?
Stelara is manufactured by Janssen Biotech, Inc., which is part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies [1].
Sources:
[1] https://www.janssen.com/
[2] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355978
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3521591/
[5] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-for-patients-and-providers/stelara-ustekinumab-information
[6] https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/about-crohns-and-colitis/medical-treatments/biologics/stelara
[7] https://www.rxlist.com/stelara-drug-medical-facts.htm
[8] https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/biosimilars/what-biosimilar-and-interchangeable-biosimilar-medicine
[9] https://www.janssen.com/patients/patient-support