Summary: Stelara (ustekinumab) treats autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis by targeting inflammation-causing proteins. It’s recommended for patients who haven’t responded to other treatments. This article compares Stelara’s cost to Humira and provides essential information for potential users. 

Discover how Stelara (ustekinumab) is transforming the treatment of chronic autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Since its FDA approval in 2009, Stelara has offered hope to patients unresponsive to traditional therapies or other biologic medications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Stelara works, its approved uses, ideal candidates, safety considerations, and how it compares in cost to other biologics like Humira.

How Does Stelara (Ustekinumab) Work? 

Stelara targets two critical cytokines involved in autoimmune inflammation: interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). By binding to the shared p40 protein subunit of these cytokines, ustekinumab blocks their interaction with immune cells. This inhibition reduces the activity of Th1 and Th17 cells, effectively disrupting the inflammatory cascade responsible for symptoms in conditions like psoriasis and Crohn’s disease¹.

Conditions Treated by Stelara 

Stelara is approved for the treatment of several chronic autoimmune diseases:

• Psoriasis: Affects approximately 2–3% of the global population, with about 7.5 million individuals affected in the United States.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Occurs in 6–42% of psoriasis patients, impacting an estimated 0.25% of the U.S. population.
• Crohn’s Disease: Has an annual incidence rate of about 10.7 per 100,000 people in the U.S., with a prevalence of 100–300 per 100,000.
• Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Shows an annual incidence rate of 12.2 per 100,000 and a prevalence of around 200 per 100,000 in the United States.

Who Should Consider Stelara? 

Stelara is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe forms of these conditions, especially those who have not responded to conventional treatments or other biologic therapies. It has demonstrated significant efficacy in:

• Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: For patients unresponsive to topical treatments or phototherapy⁸.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: For individuals not responding to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)³.
• Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: For patients who haven’t responded to other biologics like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or integrin inhibitors⁷.

Who Should Not Use Stelara? 

Certain individuals may not be suitable candidates for Stelara treatment:

• Patients with Active Infections: Including tuberculosis (TB) or other serious infections¹⁰.
• Individuals with a History of Cancer: Due to potential immunosuppression risks¹¹.
• Patients Requiring Live Vaccines: Live vaccines should not be administered during Stelara treatment¹⁰.

Pre-Treatment Screening and Considerations 

Before starting Stelara, healthcare providers typically recommend:

• Screening for Latent Infections: Especially tuberculosis (TB)¹⁰.
• Hepatitis Screening: Considering tests for hepatitis B and C¹¹.
• Blood Tests: Including complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests¹¹.
• Vaccinations: Administering any necessary live vaccines prior to initiating therapy¹⁰.

Stelara vs. Humira: Cost Comparison in 2024 

The annual list price for Humira is approximately $43,680, based on a typical dosage of 40 mg every other week for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and a cash price of about $7,280 per typical monthly supply (2 doses). For Stelara, the annual cost is approximately $152,982.72, calculated using a typical maintenance dosage of 90 mg every 8 weeks, with a list price of $25,497.12 per 90 mg dose and 6 doses administered per year.

Conclusion 

Stelara (ustekinumab) represents a significant advancement in the treatment of chronic autoimmune conditions, offering hope to those who have not responded to traditional therapies. By specifically targeting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, Stelara helps manage the symptoms of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. If you’re exploring treatment options, consult your healthcare provider to determine if Stelara is right for you. For more information on how to access Stelara, Canadian Insulin is here to assist you in managing your health effectively.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical recommendations tailored to your condition.