Novo Nordisk Announces New Insulin Affordability Options

Novo Nordisk is aiming to expand its insulin affordability with the launch of new cost assistance options, according to a press release.

The My$99Insulin Program and the Immediate Supply option, along with the launch of follow-on brands, are all designed to improve access to needed medications for patients with diabetes.

The increasing price of insulin has been widely reported over the past year, and the 3 biggest insulin suppliers (Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly) have previously announced plans to lower costs and improve accessibility.

According to Novo, under the new Immediate Supply option, patients in immediate need with prescription will be able to receive a free, 1-time supply of up to 3 vials or 2 packs of pens of its insulin as a short-term solution. After using this option, patients are encouraged to find a longer-term solution from Novo Nordisk’s other patient assistance options.

Additionally, the My$99Insulin Program will allow the purchase of up to 3 vials  or 2 packs of FlexPen/FlexTouch/PenFill pens of any combination of Novo’s insulins for $99, according to the release. Both insured and uninsured patients can enroll at NovoCare.com for a redeemable card that can be used at the pharmacy.

Follow-on brand, or authorized generic, versions of NovoLog and NovoLog Mix are also now stocked at the wholesaler level. Patients can order them at the pharmacy for pick up in 1 to 3 business days. According to Novo, this option may be able to lower the costs for patients whose insurance requires that they have to pay list price through coinsurance or before meeting their deductible.

“We know some people still struggle to afford their insulin and we want to help. We’ve talked to people, including those who have been critical of us, and it’s clear there is no one solution that will work for everyone and people need options,” Doug Langa, executive vice president, North American Operations, and president of Novo Nordisk, said in a statement. “That’s why today, we have made available additional options recognizing the different situations that make insulin unaffordable or inaccessible.”

Eli Lilly also offers similar options for those who need help, such as capping monthly prescriptions at $95 for many of its insulins and offering free insulin to eligible patients. Last year, Eli Lilly announced its generic insulin option for insulin lispro injection at a 50% lower cost than its identical medicine, Humalog U-100.

References:

Novo Nordisk’s new insulin affordability offerings now available in the US [news release]. Novo Nordisk’s website. https://www.novonordisk-us.com/media/news-releases.html?122978. Accessed January 3, 2020.