Novo Nordisk A/S said it will offer half-priced versions of its insulin drug Novolog in the U.S. beginning Jan. 2, 2020.
Novolog is a fast-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. Novolog is Novo Nordisk's most widely prescribed insulin product, with about 1 million people using it in the U.S.
The authorized generics — insulin aspart and insulin aspart mix — will be available in vials and pen options through Novo Nordisk Pharma Inc., the company's newly formed U.S. affiliate.
A 10-milliliter vial of insulin aspart will have a list price of $144.68, while a five-pack box of Penfill and FlexPen will cost $268.73 and $279.41, respectively.
At the same time, the Danish drugmaker will launch a $99 cash card program for diabetes patients using its analog insulins.
Under the program, patients may buy up to three vials or two packs of FlexPen or FlexTouch pens at any combination for a flat cost of $99. Novo Nordisk said the initiative will benefit diabetes patients with or without insurance.
Branded versions of Novolog will continue to be available for patients who want to remain using the products, the Danish drugmaker noted.
Novo Nordisk is the last to join its competitors Eli Lilly and Co. and Sanofi in launching insulin cost-cutting efforts in the U.S.
Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly started selling Insulin Lispro, a lower-priced version of its insulin injection Humalog, in May. Meanwhile, France's Sanofi commenced a program in June that allows U.S. patients with a valid prescription access to 10 boxes of its insulin pens and/or 10-milligram vials of insulin per month at a set $99 monthly price.
The three insulin makers remain the subject of insulin pricing probes by U.S. lawmakers. In August, the three companies said they received subpoenas in July from the New York attorney general's office regarding the pricing and sale of their insulin products.
