The three largest insulin makers in the U.S. (Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi) have been called to provide details of their programmes in order to help those residing in the U.S. to obtain insulin for $35 a month or less.
Should this be granted the decision could alter the balance between life and death for many patients who have diabetes. In the U.S.’s skewed economic society, diabetes disproportionately impacts populations of colour and, when overlayed with poverty levels in the U.S, there is a direct correlation. Therefore, to be from an ethnic minority and to be on a low income compounds the problem further.
Given the fact that diabetes disproportionately impacts populations of colour, the opportunity to improve the socioeconomic outcomes of patients often overlooked in the larger healthcare system is extremely compelling.
Although the pharmaceutical companies – which account for 90 percent of the U.S. insulin market – have pledged to lower the prices of their insulin products by as much as 78 percent, little progress has been made to date.
This means the sought after drugs are largely unattainable for those who need it most. However, in a step forward, Novo Nordisk has recently agreed to lower costs for uninsured New Yorkers.
Yet more needs to be done, according to H1’s Senior Director of Strategic Commercial Engagement Rob Consalvo.
In a statement sent to Digital Journal, Consalvo says: “Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and health related challenges in the U.S, and financial concerns are one of the biggest reasons for treatment lapse.”
In setting out a leftist case for medicinal reform, Consalvo says: “No one should be denied care.”
Consalvo takes some comfort from legislative noise, finding: “Given rising costs, it’s encouraging to know that U.S. lawmakers are addressing the challenge head on.” This may involve the first-ever price negotiations in relation to the U.S. Medicare health programme, between the U.S. government and the pharmaceutical sector.
Hopeful that the legislation noise leads to legislative changes, Consalvo says: “We welcome the change that this would bring to not only the diabetes epidemic, but also paving the way for a more equitable healthcare system.”
The ultimate goa is price controls through market intervention, as Consalvo observes: “Even if broader systemic issues persist, implementing a price cap on medications that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture yet profoundly enhance quality of life, represents a monumental step towards improving the well-being of countless individuals.”
