Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Annalisa Merelli
Published on 2024-03-29 21:21:49
Diabetes drugs, especially insulin, are notoriously expensive in the United States compared to other high-income countries. A recent investigation published in JAMA Network Open highlighted the potential for significant cost reduction in blockbuster GLP-1 drugs through robust generic competition. The study, led by Melissa Barber, a Yale postdoctoral fellow, in collaboration with Doctors Without Borders, found that producing a generic vial of insulin could cost $61 to $111 per year, which is a staggering 97% less than the current market price in the U.S. This cost estimate considered a profit margin of 10% to 50%.
The stark contrast between the production cost and sales price of insulin in the U.S. has raised concerns among policymakers. The study advocates for the need for policymakers to address this issue and make essential decisions regarding the affordability of these life-saving medications.
Additionally, the research delved into the cost of producing GLP-1 biosimilars, revealing that the cost of a patient’s monthly supply could range from $0.75 to $72.50. This is in sharp contrast to the current market price of $1,000 per month for Ozempic in the U.S. While Ozempic costs significantly less in other countries like Canada and Germany, highlighting the disparity in drug pricing across different regions.
Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Novo Nordisk to lower the price of Ozempic in the U.S. to match the prices in Canada. Novo Nordisk, in response to the study, emphasized their commitment to supporting greater access to diabetes treatment and care while not directly addressing the specific findings of the JAMA study.
The impact of this research extends beyond the U.S. healthcare system as it highlights the potential for affordable and accessible GLP-1 drugs globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the prevalence of diabetes is rising. The study advocates for the importance of making these innovative drugs available to all who need them, irrespective of their economic status.
However, the study does have limitations, particularly in the detailed costs associated with research and development. Despite the significant cost savings highlighted in the study, there are considerable investments required for developing new biosimilars. The lack of transparency from drug manufacturers poses a significant challenge to evidence-based policymaking, hindering the implementation of effective policies to address drug pricing issues.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for affordable and accessible diabetes drugs globally. By promoting robust generic competition and addressing the challenges of transparency in drug pricing, policymakers can work towards ensuring that essential medications, such as insulin and GLP-1 drugs, are accessible to all individuals in need, regardless of their geographic location or economic status.
