Eli Lilly says it will cut prices for insulin

Decision comes amid pressure to lower costs

Eli Lilly and Co. said it will cut prices of its most commonly prescribed insulins up to 70% and expand a program that limits out-of-pocket monthly costs for some consumers.

The Indianapolis drugmaker’s price cuts and discounts for insulin come as federal and state lawmakers and patient advocates pressure drug companies and health insurers to improve affordability for the lifesaving medication used by millions of Americans.

“The aggressive price cuts we’re announcing today should make a real difference for Americans with diabetes,” said Lilly Chair and CEO David Ricks.

Eli Lilly discounts Humalog and Humulin insulin

The drugmaker will cut list prices by 70% for the fast-acting injectable Humalog, which is the company’s most commonly prescribed insulin. Lilly also will discount an older fastacting drug, Humulin.

● The list price for Humalog U-100, 10 ml vial will drop from $274.70 to $66.40.

● The list price for Humulin U-100, 10 ml vials will drop from $148.70 to $44.61.

The price changes will take effect between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.

Lilly also will reduce the price of its nonbranded, fast-acting insulin to $25 a vial, effective May 1.

On April 1, Lilly also will launch a biosimilar to Sanofi’s Lantus that will be a less expensive version of the longacting insulin. The new drug, Rezvoglar, will be interchangeable with Lantus, which means a pharmacist can substitute the drug without a new prescription. Rezvoglar will cost $92 per five-pack of Kwikpens, a 78% discount to Lantus, Lilly said.