Lilly Set to Launch Lower Cost Humalog Insulin Options in April

Lower-priced versions of Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen (insulin lispro injectable suspension 100 units/ml, Eli Lilly and Company) and Humalog Junior KwikPen (insulin lispro injection 100 units/ml, Eli Lilly and Company) will be available in mid-April. Both insulins will have 50% lower list prices compared with the branded versions, according to a press release.

These insulins are identical molecules to the branded versions and may be substituted at the pharmacy counter.

The lower-priced version of Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen will be known as insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro injectable suspension Mix75/25 (100 units/ml). The lower-priced version of Humalog Junior KwikPen will be known as insulin lispro injection Junior KwikPen (100 units/ml).

"Lilly is committed to offering the broadest suite of solutions for people who need help affording their insulin, and our lower-priced insulins are important options. But real change to our reimbursement system is needed. Insurance coverage should ensure no one with diabetes is forced to ration or skip doses for financial reasons,” Mike Mason, president of Lilly Diabetes, said in a press release.

Both options will have a list price of $265.20 for a package of 5 Kwikpens. Lilly will begin negotiations immediately with wholesalers and payers to make these additional lower-priced insulins available, according to the company press release.

Most insurance plans provide co-pays for chronic medicines that are lower than the list price. Patients are encouraged to ask their pharmacist whether these options may reduce their out-of-pocket cost.

"The cost of insulin at the pharmacy varies dramatically depending on a person's insurance coverage. These lower-priced insulins may reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially for people in the coverage gap of Medicare Part D, the uninsured or those with high-deductible insurance plans,” Mason said in the release.

The first lower-priced insulin released by Eli Lilly in May 2019, insulin lispro injection (100 units/ml), was listed at a 50% lower list price than Humalog (insulin lispro injection 100 units/mL). In November 2019, approximately 67,000 patients filled prescriptions for insulin lispro injection and approximately 10% of patients using Humalog have transitioned to the lower-priced option, according to the company press release.

Combined, Humalog U-100, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Junior KwikPen make up more than 90% of prescriptions written for a Lilly mealtime insulin, according to the company press release. The lower-priced version of each will give patients using a Humalog formulation an option that may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Reference

Lilly expands insulin affordability options with lower-priced versions of Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen and Humalog Junior KwikPen [press release]. Eli Lilly and Company website. Published January 14, 2020. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-expands-insulin-affordability-options-lower-priced. Accessed January 14, 2020.