Good news for US Type one insulin dependent diabetics

Bill Masen - March 4, 2022

News

New partnership provides affordable insulin for all in the USA

its all free in the UK but our american cousins pay a fortune for their insulin, so this should hopefully help many.

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An historic deal has been agreed between JDRF International and partners, to deliver lower-cost insulin across the USA from 2024 to everyone – regardless of insurance status.

The cost of a vial of insulin has tripled in the USA over the last ten years, with prices currently ranging from between $175 (£130) and $300 (£224) per vial, which could cost a person up to $1,000 (£750) a month. 

An estimated one in four people who are insulin dependent say they skip or ration their insulin because they cannot afford to pay this inflated price, potentially leading to severe consequences for their health, medical emergencies, or even death. 

This groundbreaking partnership between JDRF International – who are based in the USA – and other funders, means that Civica, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturing company, can manufacture and distribute biosimilar insulin for no more than $30 (£23) a vial, or $55 (£40) for a box of five pen cartridges. This is as much as 90% lower than existing costs. 

To make this happen, JDRF International has agreed to underwrite the initial development costs, meaning that Civica is able to provide this low-cost option to people who need it. 

Civica will develop biosimilars to three of the most commonly used insulins in the USA, to reach the most people possible: glargine (Lantus®), lispro (Humalog®), and aspart (Novolog®). Biosimilar insulin is highly similar to existing insulins that are already licensed for use and are just as effective. 

These affordable insulins will be available from 2024 to allow time for development, clinical trials and FDA approval, amongst other logistical factors. Everyone – regardless of their health insurance status – will be able to access this affordable insulin at this cost. This distinguishes this programme from many other existing routes of access for affordable insulin. 

JDRF UK’s Chief Executive, Karen Addington, said: “We are today proud of the impact that JDRF achieves: this partnership will help resolve some of the systemic health inequality for people living with type 1 diabetes in the USA. 

“It is our hope that this initiative then has the potential to go on and save lives across the world. We know that this news today will resonate with so many of our supporters and stakeholders who live with type 1 or work to prevent, treat and cure type 1 diabetes.”

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90% lower costs! Good for them. I have a few friends and family members dependent on insulin. I’ve never asked if they have insurance cover it or if they pay for it out of pocket. But this will be good either way and hopefully allow people to not miss doses and to stock up for future shortages.

 

That’s amazing news!! Insulin accessibility has been a huge problem here for ages. Your news updates are always appreciated, Bill! 

 

Yes, good news indeed, should it come about.

The US congress is a fully owned subsidiary of supranational corporations who largely decide what does and doesn’t happen here. Many formulations of insulin and every other patent imaginable are decades old, yet our laws allow them to be tweeked slightly and new patents issued.

One of the most popular long lasting insulins went off patent in 2015 yet there still is no generic and the price is still $300/vial plus syringes and much more for pens. The only equivalent option is actually more expensive.

The juvenile diabetes foundation being involved may help.