Specialty drug spend spotlight: CID
The Rising Costs of Chronic Inflammatory Disease Treatments
The increase in chronic inflammatory disease (CID) costs has been primarily driven by tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF-i) and anti-psoriatic medications. Highly marketed agents such as Skyrizi® and Stelara®, supported by robust direct-to-consumer advertising, have seen significant growth in both utilization and spending.
Dupixent® has also experienced a notable upward trend, with a 23% increase in spend driven by continued expansion of its approved indications. This trend aligns with Sanofi’s strategic efforts to broaden Dupixent’s use across additional therapeutic areas.
In contrast, adalimumab biosimilars have faced slower-than-expected uptake in market share. However, their utilization is anticipated to grow as more payers adopt these lower-cost alternatives on their formularies, reducing reliance on the originator product, Humira®.
A Changing Landscape for Atopic Dermatitis Treatments
Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting over 26 million people in the U.S., remains without a cure. However, the treatment landscape is evolving rapidly, with new high-cost therapies receiving approval at an unprecedented pace.
Between 2001 and 2021, only two therapies, Dupixent® and Eucrisa®, were approved to treat atopic dermatitis. Since September 2021, five additional therapies have entered the market: Adbry®, Cibinqo®, Rinvoq®, Zoryve®, and Opzelura®. This wave of innovation is expected to continue, with more than a dozen therapies currently in the pipeline and projected for approval within the next three to five years. Current annual costs for these treatments range from $20,000 to over $50,000, reflecting their complexity and high development costs.
The Latest Developments in Atopic Dermatitis
Ebglyss™, approved in September 2024, became the third biologic treatment available for atopic dermatitis, adding to the growing arsenal of targeted therapies. Meanwhile, Nemluvio™ is anticipated to gain traction as a potential first-line option, signaling further advancements in the standard of care for this condition.
As new treatments emerge and competition increases, the atopic dermatitis market is poised for dynamic growth, with significant implications for patients, providers, and payers alike.
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