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: $180 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. 

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