The Impact of Autoimmune Conditions on Women

We're at a pivotal time in the treatment of autoimmune conditions. The recent approval of Amgen's Amjevita – the first biosimilar to Humira – is expected to be just the beginning of a wave of biosimilars coming to market for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

These new drugs will broaden treatment options for people living with autoimmune conditions, likely driving robust competition and ultimately lowering costs of care. This may be especially good news for women, who comprise 80 percent of autoimmune patients.Female predominance and X chromosome defects in autoimmune diseases. Invernizzi P, Pasini S, Selmi C, Gershwin ME, Podda M. J Autoimmun. 2009;33:12–16.)

As we continue our focus on women's health, we're taking a closer look at conditions that affect women differently or in greater numbers than men. Our new report takes a deep dive into women and autoimmune conditions, a top cost driver for plan sponsors.

The impact of autoimmune conditions on women

Learn more in our report (PDF) →

Researchers aren't sure why women are more susceptible to autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, thyroid diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7292717/ Their overrepresentation in these disease categories translates to a disproportionate burden in quality of life and cost of care.

Autoimmune conditions are complex. Because there aren't known cures, treatment tends to be long-term and often costly. Specialty drugs like Humira have been top-selling agents for treating certain autoimmune conditions for many years. The introduction of biosimilars could meaningfully shift the treatment landscape.

We're keeping a close eye on other biosimilars in the autoimmune category that are planned for launch this year. Our surveillance of the drug pipeline includes careful evaluation of each candidate, taking into account clinical and other considerations including formulation, delivery mechanism, sufficient supply, and member experience, so we can support plan sponsors in making informed coverage decisions about each individual agent.

We're excited about what these new developments in treating autoimmune conditions might mean for women's health because we know women's health is good business.