Key takeaways:
- Nearly 200 therapies are in development or under review for autoimmune diseases, reflecting continued innovation in immunology and expanding treatment options for more than 12 million Americans living with inflammatory conditions.
- More treatment options can create new questions for patients about their coverage, the cost of new treatments, and how to transition to a new therapy.
- Accredo’s Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammatory Therapeutic Resource Center helps patients access, start, and stay on treatment while helping providers navigate treatment changes and care coordination.
More than 12 million Americans live with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis. Many rely on long-term specialty medications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
A wave of innovation is reshaping how these conditions are treated. New therapies are moving through the immunology pipeline, while the types of treatments available continue to evolve. These developments could give patients and providers more choices while also raising questions about coverage, cost, administration, and treatment transitions.
Trends shaping inflammatory care
The inflammatory treatment landscape continues to evolve, with a growing pipeline and new types of therapies giving patients and providers more options to consider.
- A growing immunology pipeline: The number of immunology drugs in mid- to late-stage clinical development or under review for approval increased from 131 therapies in 2020 to nearly 200 in 2024. This trend points to continued innovation across a range of inflammatory conditions and the potential for advances in treatment in the years ahead.
- More biosimilars: Biosimilars are playing a larger role in inflammatory care. As of 2026, 10 Humira biosimilars and eight Stelara biosimilars are FDA approved. As more alternatives to existing biologic medications come to market, they can give patients and providers greater flexibility when considering clinical needs, coverage, and cost.
- New oral therapies: Oral medications such as Rinvoq and Sotyktu are already being used to treat certain inflammatory conditions, and more treatments are in development that aim to offer targeted action similar to that of biologic medicines that are injected or infused. Their approval would broaden treatment choices, especially for patients who prefer oral medications or are uncomfortable with needles.
More treatment choices can bring new questions
As more inflammatory therapies become available, patients may have additional opportunities to find treatment that better fits their clinical, financial, and lifestyle needs. But having more choices can also bring new questions about which therapies are covered, how much they will cost, whether they require authorization from the patient’s plan, and what to expect when starting or switching treatments.
Complexity that can be associated with beginning a new therapy can create challenges for patients seeking treatment. As a result, some patients may delay or abandon treatment before it starts. Even after patients begin therapy, affordability concerns, side effects, and treatment changes can make it harder to stay on treatment.
For people with inflammatory conditions, delays and disruptions can make it more difficult to manage their condition, increase the risk of flares, and potentially lead to higher health care costs over time.
How Accredo helps patients navigate treatment
As treatment choices expand, specialty pharmacy support can help patients navigate the clinical, financial, and administrative questions that can come with starting and staying on therapy. Additionally, Accredo’s Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammatory Therapeutic Resource Center (TRC) provides condition-specific clinical support to help patients navigate their treatment journey.
The TRC brings together pharmacists, nurses, and other clinicians who specialize in inflammatory conditions and the therapies used to treat them. These clinicians help patients understand their medications and what to expect from treatment, provide guidance on managing side effects, and offer ongoing clinical support to help patients stay engaged in their care. Accredo clinicians are also available 24/7 to support patients throughout their health journey.
Accredo also coordinates with providers to help patients navigate prior authorization and other requirements, and understand out-of-pocket costs and explore available financial assistance, helping address barriers that could disrupt treatment.
Research found that multi-modal engagement strategies for patients with inflammatory conditions have been linked to 12% fewer emergency room visits, 22% fewer inpatient admissions, and 8% lower overall medical costs for payers. This helps reinforce the value of coordinated specialty support.
As inflammatory care continues to evolve, the opportunity is not only to bring new therapies forward, but also to help connect patients to the treatment option that best meets their individual needs. Condition-specific expertise will remain important in supporting the appropriate use of these therapies and addressing care challenges throughout the treatment journey.
Common questions about specialty pharmacy care for inflammatory conditions
Evernorth’s Accredo Specialty Pharmacy raises the standard in specialty pharmacy, delivering care beyond the prescription and additive savings beyond the trend. Through our pharmacy model, plan sponsors can count on competitive specialty drug pricing and access to the specialty therapies your members need. We provide condition- and drug-focused expertise that prepares you for what’s ahead while driving the most value for you now. Our pharmacy engine propels savings to you and delivers well-being support for your members at no cost.
