Lilly launches authorized generic of its Humalog insulin
Eli Lilly now is offering a generic of its Humalog U-100 (insulin lispro injection). The launch follows an announcement in March that the company would be offering the generic, which has a 50% lower list price than the branded product. The generic is available in both a vial and KwikPen.
Insulin lispro injection has a list price of $137.35 per vial and $265.20 for a package of five KwikPens. Lilly said that patients most likely to benefit from the generic are Medicare Part D beneficiaries, people with high-deductible health plans and the uninsured who use Humalog.
“The availability of Lilly’s Insulin Lispro injection is important progress that helps more people afford their insulin,” said Mike Mason, senior vice president of connected care and insulins at Lilly. “Lilly will continue to work with health plans, wholesalers, employers and the government to work toward permanent solutions that will help every person with diabetes afford their medicines.”
Currently, about 95% of people in the United States pay $95 or less a month for their Humalog prescription and 43% pay $0 at the retail pharmacy, Lilly said, noting that patients should ask their pharmacist whether the generic or branded product will be the lower-cost option for them.
In addition to wholesaler contracts that have been secured, Lilly said that it is working with payers to gain broad insurance coverage for Insulin Lispro injection.
“The current healthcare system isn’t working for everyone, causing a growing number of people with chronic conditions to struggle to afford their medicine," Mason said. "But even one person with diabetes who can’t afford insulin is too many, which is why we introduced insulin lispro injection. It adds to our suite of solutions that help significantly lower the amount people pay until a more sustainable solution is achieved.”
Insulin lispro injection has a list price of $137.35 per vial and $265.20 for a package of five KwikPens. Lilly said that patients most likely to benefit from the generic are Medicare Part D beneficiaries, people with high-deductible health plans and the uninsured who use Humalog.
“The availability of Lilly’s Insulin Lispro injection is important progress that helps more people afford their insulin,” said Mike Mason, senior vice president of connected care and insulins at Lilly. “Lilly will continue to work with health plans, wholesalers, employers and the government to work toward permanent solutions that will help every person with diabetes afford their medicines.”
Currently, about 95% of people in the United States pay $95 or less a month for their Humalog prescription and 43% pay $0 at the retail pharmacy, Lilly said, noting that patients should ask their pharmacist whether the generic or branded product will be the lower-cost option for them.
In addition to wholesaler contracts that have been secured, Lilly said that it is working with payers to gain broad insurance coverage for Insulin Lispro injection.
“The current healthcare system isn’t working for everyone, causing a growing number of people with chronic conditions to struggle to afford their medicine," Mason said. "But even one person with diabetes who can’t afford insulin is too many, which is why we introduced insulin lispro injection. It adds to our suite of solutions that help significantly lower the amount people pay until a more sustainable solution is achieved.”