Insurance Red Tape Keeps Blistering Disease Patients From Lifesaving

A new patient survey in the Archives of Dermatological Research points to insurance administration—not the underlying biology of autoimmune blistering diseases—as a major barrier to getting biologic therapies in the U.S. The study, led by Paige E. Adams, Elise K. Brunsgaard, Nikki Rezania and senior author Kyle T. Amber of Rush University Medical Center (Chicago), with partners from the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation, collected experiences from patients nationwide. It builds on earlier work from the same team showing insurance delays can block access to treatment. Biologics, including rituximab (supported by the Ritux 3 trial), have improved outcomes, but complicated coverage requirements still derail many patients’ care.