The price of Stelara can vary significantly depending on factors such as dosage, quantity, insurance coverage, and pharmacy. As a biologic medication, Stelara is generally expensive. For example, a single 90 mg vial can cost several thousand dollars.
How much does Stelara cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for Stelara can be very high. A 90 mg pre-filled syringe, for instance, may cost upwards of \$7,000 to \$8,000 per dose. Patients may also face costs for the administration of the drug, particularly if it requires infusion in a clinical setting.
Are there patient assistance programs for Stelara?
Yes, Janssen Biotech, the manufacturer of Stelara, offers a patient assistance program called Stelara Together. This program can help eligible commercially insured patients with co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses. Uninsured patients may also qualify for free medication through this program if they meet certain income requirements.
When does Stelara's patent expire?
Stelara's primary patents are set to expire between 2023 and 2030, depending on the specific patent and region. For example, key patents in the United States expired in 2023, paving the way for biosimilar development. Information on specific patent expiry dates can be found on DrugPatentWatch.com [1].
What is the price of Stelara biosimilars?
The availability and pricing of Stelara biosimilars are emerging. Once biosimilars become available, they are expected to offer a lower-cost alternative to the reference biologic. The exact pricing will depend on the biosimilar manufacturer and market competition.
How does Stelara work?
Stelara is a monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). These cytokines are believed to play a significant role in inflammatory processes. By inhibiting IL-12 and IL-23, Stelara helps to reduce inflammation associated with certain autoimmune conditions [2].
What conditions is Stelara used to treat?
Stelara is approved for the treatment of several moderate to severe autoimmune conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis [2].
What are the side effects of Stelara?
Common side effects of Stelara can include upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and injection site reactions. More serious potential side effects include an increased risk of infections, including serious ones, and the possibility of certain types of cancer. Patients should discuss all potential risks with their healthcare provider [2].
How is Stelara administered?
Stelara is administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion, depending on the condition being treated and the stage of therapy. Initial doses for conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are typically given intravenously, followed by subcutaneous injections for maintenance therapy [2].
What is the difference between Stelara and other biologic drugs?
Stelara targets IL-12 and IL-23, which are distinct pathways compared to other biologics that target TNF-alpha (like adalimumab or infliximab) or other cytokines. This different mechanism of action can make Stelara an effective option for patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other biologic therapies [3].
***
1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2.janssen.com
3. MedicalNewsToday.com