Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is calling for insulin manufacturers to sell injection pen devices at $1 per pen to ensure access to life-saving treatment for millions in low- and middle-income countries. The organization highlights the exorbitant prices set by major insulin producers, creating a global crisis in diabetes care.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against major insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), accusing them of conspiring to inflate insulin prices. The lawsuit alleges that manufacturers artificially raised prices while paying PBMs for preferred placement, ultimately harming diabetes patients and healthcare providers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against three major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum – accusing them of using unfair practices to inflate insulin prices. The complaint alleges that the PBMs prioritize drug rebates, forcing patients to pay higher costs for life-saving insulin.
Eli Lilly and Company announced positive results from two Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of their once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both trials demonstrated non-inferior A1C reduction compared to existing insulin therapies, indicating efsitora’s potential as a new treatment option for managing blood sugar levels.
Several state and local governments are suing drug companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) over high insulin prices. However, these same governments have historically profited from the rebate system they are now challenging, highlighting a complex web of interests and questionable motives in the drug pricing debate.
Novo Nordisk has provided updates on its insulin and GLP-1 product lines. Following a previous announcement of price reductions, the company has discontinued the basal insulin Levemir.
Novo Nordisk’s decision to discontinue Levemir insulin has sparked concerns among Democratic senators. Despite initial praise for Novo’s acquisition of up to 75% of the insulin market, the discontinuation has led to supply disruptions and insurance cutoffs, leaving patients with limited options.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was denied his request for insulin in Tihar Jail by a special court but later received a “light dose” after consultation with AIIMS doctors. The decision sparked allegations of conspiracy from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who claimed the court’s decision was politically motivated. Jail authorities clarified that the insulin was administered after Kejriwal’s blood sugar levels spiked, as per the recommendation of an AIIMS specialist. The incident has sparked debate and political controversy, with AAP functionaries and Kejriwal’s wife attributing his insulin administration to the blessings of Lord Hanuman on Hanuman Jayanti. Meanwhile, jail authorities maintain that all inmates, including Kejriwal, receive equal treatment for medical needs.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over Arvind Kejriwal’s blood sugar levels, the Tihar Jail administration has finally administered insulin to the jailed Delhi Chief Minister. This development comes after Kejriwal had repeatedly requested insulin for his increasing sugar levels. Senior AAP functionaries have welcomed the move but have also criticized the jail administration for not providing insulin earlier.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been given a ‘low dose’ of insulin after his blood sugar level spiked, according to Tihar jail officials. Kejriwal was given the insulin on the advice of AIIMS doctors after his blood sugar level was found to be 217 around 7 p.m. on Monday. AAP sources said Kejriwal’s blood sugar level had crossed 320 in Tihar, and this is the first time he has been given insulin in jail.
