The Endocrine Society lauds Novo Nordisk's recent announcement that it would limit price increases for its therapies, including insulin, and hopes that other entities in the insulin supply chain including manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and insurers will also demonstrate similar restraint to address this important issue.
People with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce their own insulin and need insulin treatment to maintain their glucose control. People with the more common type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin and may need insulin treatment as well. Many people with diabetes depend on insulin, yet increasing prices creates a dangerous barrier to access this critical therapy.
The Society strongly advocates for people with diabetes who depend on insulin to treat their disease to have affordable access to this life-saving therapy. The Society will work with all stakeholders to determine both the cause of increasing prices as well as additional ways to ensure access to insulin.
The Society believes that with greater transparency across the insulin supply chain, stakeholders can work together to make drug pricing more predictable, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and help patients and providers have access to affordable, patient-centered therapies.
Addressing social and cultural factors is key to reducing burden of type 2 diabetes