Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was invigorating and relaxing because that oh-so-familiar routine of meetings, deadlines, conference calls, and the like has, of course, returned. Before we continue, though, we want to apologize for the late start. We were sidetracked by a bit of shoveling — there were mounds of snowing blanketing the Pharmalot campus and then a quick story to post, which leads off the list of items today. In any event, time for a cup of stimulation. Hope all goes well today and you conquer the world …
Eli Lilly (LLY) is introducing a new version of insulin called Lispro at half the list price as drug makers struggle with mounting criticism over the cost of prescription drugs, although insulin costs have generated particular anger among consumers, STAT writes. The new so-called authorized generic version of the Humalog insulin will sell for $137.35 a vial, while the list price of a five-pack of KwikPens will be $265.20. Lispro should be more affordable to the uninsured or those with high-deductible insurance plans, whose copays are typically tied to list prices.
A handful of U.S. senators introduced a bill to require drug makers to justify to the Department of Health and Human Services any price hike on a medicine. If HHS finds a price hike to be unreasonable, it could require the company to reimburse consumers and payers, including Medicare and Medicaid; lower the price to its original price before the increase for up to one year; and pay a civil penalty up to three times the amount the manufacturer received. HHS could also refer matters to the Department of Justice for enforcement.
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