See the DrugPatentWatch profile for skyrizi
How do Skyrizi and Humira work?
Skyrizi (risankizumab) targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), a specific cytokine driving inflammation in autoimmune diseases like psoriasis.[1] Humira (adalimumab) is a broader TNF-alpha inhibitor that blocks tumor necrosis factor, a key inflammatory protein involved in multiple conditions.[1]
What conditions do they treat?
Both treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease in adults. Humira has broader FDA approvals, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.[1][2] Skyrizi focuses mainly on IL-23-driven diseases like ulcerative colitis (recently approved).[1]
How are they administered and dosed?
Skyrizi uses a pre-filled syringe or autoinjector with induction doses (600 mg IV for Crohn's, or 150 mg subcutaneous for psoriasis) followed by 150-600 mg maintenance every 8-12 weeks.[1] Humira is subcutaneous only, starting at 160/80 mg induction then 40 mg every other week.[1] Skyrizi requires fewer injections long-term.
How effective are they head-to-head?
In psoriasis trials, Skyrizi achieved 75-90% skin clearance (PASI 90) at week 52, outperforming Humira's 60-70% in some studies.[1][3] For Crohn's, Skyrizi showed 40-50% endoscopic response rates versus Humira's 30-40%.[1] Direct comparisons are limited; choice depends on disease severity and prior treatments.
What about side effects and safety?
Common side effects overlap: upper respiratory infections, headaches, injection-site reactions. Skyrizi has lower infection risk due to its targeted mechanism (no increased TB reactivation signal).[1] Humira carries higher boxed warnings for serious infections, lymphoma, and heart failure.[1][2] Both require TB screening before starting.
Who's behind them and what's the cost?
Skyrizi is made by AbbVie (acquired from Boehringer Ingelheim).[1] Humira is AbbVie's original blockbuster.[1] Humira costs $6,000-$7,000 monthly without insurance; Skyrizi is similar at $5,000-$6,000 but with less frequent dosing.[4] Patient assistance programs exist for both.
When do patents expire?
Humira's key patents expired in 2023, enabling biosimilars like Amjevita.1 Skyrizi's composition-of-matter patent runs until 2033 (U.S. Patent 8,778,884), with challenges ongoing.5 No biosimilars for Skyrizi yet.
[1]: FDA Labels via Drugs.com
[2]: Humira Prescribing Information
[3]: Clinical Trial Data: NEJM Studies
[4]: GoodRx Pricing