Low-Cost Insulin At Just $30 Per Vial Now In The Works By Pharma Nonprofit

Nonprofit drug maker Civica Rx has pledged to manufacture and distribute insulin at just US$30 a vial from as early as 2024. 

The Gary and Mary West Foundation, which co-founded Civica Rx, noted that although insulin is relatively inexpensive to make, brand-name versions of the product can cost nearly US$300 off the shelf.

Absurd prices have led many patients with diabetes to ration or even skip doses, with the disease being named “America’s most expensive chronic condition,” as per Dan Liljenquist, Board Chair of Civica Rx.

“It is heartbreaking that millions of people are rationing their care and putting their lives at risk because they can no longer afford insulin,” he said. 

CNN reports that President Joe Biden is attempting to pass a legislation that would cap insulin prices at US$35, though the Senate and Congress have yet to pass the measure as part of the Democrats’ Build Back Better package.

According to UPI, Civica Rx will produce three insulin products, available in vials or prefilled pens. 

The company has said a box of five pen cartridges will not cost over US$55. 

"Those who are going to benefit greatly from this opportunity that we are providing at Civica are those who are underinsured or uninsured who cannot afford to pay for their drugs,” said Shelley Lyford, Vice Chair of Civica Rx’s board. 

[via CNN and UPI, cover image via Sherry Young | Dreamstime.com]