New Ulcerative Colitis Agents, Routes of Administration Could See Shift to Pharmacy Benefit for Class

The ulcerative colitis (UC) space has seen multiple new approvals recently that could focus payer management even more on the condition. Payers already take an aggressive approach toward managing branded agents within the class, according to a Zitter Insights survey. That stance, say industry experts, will only grow with the new drugs and administration routes.

While no cure exists for the inflammatory bowel disease, the FDA has approved numerous agents to treat signs and symptoms of the condition. In addition to the nine biosimilars of AbbVie Inc.’s Humira (adalimumab) that have launched in the U.S. in 2023, a handful of other approvals happened from late September through late October. All of the agents offer maintenance dosing either through an oral or subcutaneous route of administration.