Humanitarian Organization Criticizes Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk And Sanofi Of Having 'Double Standards' For High Insulin Price

Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) called for all insulin manufacturers to provide injection pen devices at $1 per pen.

The humanitarian organization emphasized that this would help ensure access to life-saving treatment for millions in low- and middle-income countries, where many struggle to afford diabetes care.

MSF highlighted that Eli Lilly And Co LLY, Novo Nordisk A/S NVO, and Sanofi SA SNY, which dominate the global insulin market, have the power to set high prices that restrict access.

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According to MSF, data published in JAMA Network Open shows that insulin pens could be produced for as little as $0.94 per unit and remain profitable, yet current prices far exceed this figure.

For instance, a pen costs $1.99 in South Africa, $5.77 in India, $14.00 in the Philippines, and $90.69 in the U.S.

Dr. Helen Bygrave, an advisor for MSF's Access Campaign, underscored the disparity by recalling the initial intentions of the scientists who discovered insulin. "Over 100 years ago, they sold the patent for just $1 to ensure global access. Now, only about half of those who need insulin can access it," she said.

She stated that the corporate control by Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi has led to a "double standard" that hinders equitable diabetes treatment.

In July, the FDA rejected Novo Nordisk's BLA filing for the once-weekly insulin icodec.

Insulin pens, known for their dosing accuracy and user-friendly design, have been preferred by 82% of surveyed diabetes patients due to their convenience and less invasive administration compared to vials and syringes.

Recently, Novo Nordisk decided to cease insulin pen production to prioritize its GLP-1 medications for diabetes and obesity, like Ozempic and Wegovy.

This shift, motivated by profit margins in wealthier markets, could force many patients back to using syringes and vials.

South Africa, which transitioned to insulin pens in its public sector in 2014, recently faced a shortage that led to rationing when Novo Nordisk paused the supply of human insulin pens to the government.

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