The Economic Effects of Autoimmune Disease Research

Over 50 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease like lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. We estimate the number of people being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease is rising 3-12% each year. The average journey to diagnosis for patients with an autoimmune disease is 4.5 to 5 years. For some, it can take a lifetime.  

Currently, there are few effective treatments for the more than 150 chronic conditions classified as autoimmune diseases. Research undertaken and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has advanced CAR T-cell therapy, precision immunology, and AI-driven diagnostics. This research is opening new frontiers in care and cures are on the line without continued support for the NIH. 

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect the Economy

• 90% of U.S. healthcare spending ($4.5 trillion/year) goes toward chronic diseases, including autoimmunity.  

• Rising disability rates, insurance costs, and lost productivity strain the workforce and federal programs. 

• Projected cost: $1.79 billion in 2025 for 29 diseases, doubling within 15 years without new treatments.  

The Power of Research 

• Economically, every $1 invested in research returns $2.56 in economic activity.  

• Unlike private industry, public research fuels early innovation, laying the foundation for medical advances. 

• The NIH fund discoveries and drive breakthrough treatments like CAR-T therapy, now showing potential to cure autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and demonstrating promise in others. 

Supporting the NIH Strengthens the U.S. Economy 

• In FY 2023, NIH funding: 
  • Generated $92.89 billion in economic output. 
  • Supported over 400,000 jobs nationwide. 
  • Fueled a $1.55 trillion biotech and pharmaceutical industry that employs millions. 

• NIH funding drives U.S. innovation:  
  • 76 patents per $100 million invested, fueling startups and new technologies.  
  • $600 million in additional R&D per 76 patents, multiplying economic returns.  
  • NIH-funded patents deliver 20% more value than other U.S. patents. 

Read more

The Autoimmune Association Supports Recommendations of Report to Advance Research for Autoimmune Diseases

How Can We Curb the Autoimmune Epidemic? New Paper Suggests a Path Forward

Autoimmune Association and Patient Advocacy Organizations Host Dr. Vicky Shanmugam, Director of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research