Drug Price Trends for TRESIBA

Average Pharmacy Cost for TRESIBA

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
TRESIBA FLEXTOUCH 200 UNIT/ML	00169-2550-13	65.07481	ML	2025-04-23
TRESIBA FLEXTOUCH 100 UNIT/ML	00169-2660-15	32.54412	ML	2025-04-23
TRESIBA 100 UNIT/ML VIAL	00169-2662-11	32.52983	ML	2025-04-23

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Tresiba

Introduction to Tresiba

Tresiba, also known as insulin degludec, is a long-acting basal insulin analogue developed by Novo Nordisk. It was first approved by the FDA on September 25, 2015, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in patients one year of age and older[4].

Market Position and Competition

Tresiba entered a crowded insulin market, competing directly with other long-acting insulins such as Sanofi's Lantus and Toujeo, as well as Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim's Lantus biosimilar, Basaglar. Despite this competition, Tresiba was projected to generate significant revenue, with estimates suggesting annual sales of $2.2 billion by 2020[1].

Pricing and Affordability

Current Pricing

The cost of Tresiba has been a significant factor in its market dynamics. As of recent data, the cost for Tresiba (100 units/mL) subcutaneous solution is around $366 for a supply of 10 milliliters for cash-paying customers. However, prices can vary depending on the pharmacy and any available discounts or insurance coverage[2].

Wholesale Acquisition Costs (WAC)

The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Tresiba has been a key metric. As of January 2024, the WAC for Tresiba was $338.95 for a 10 mL vial and $508.43 for a pre-filled pen (Tresiba FlexTouch)[5].

Price Reductions

In a significant move to improve affordability, Novo Nordisk announced a 72.2% reduction in the list prices of Tresiba starting January 1, 2026. The new WAC for Tresiba will be $94.29 for a U-100 vial, $141.43 for a U-100 device, and $169.71 for a U-200 device. This reduction makes Tresiba 20% lower than its unbranded biologic equivalent, rendering the latter redundant[5].

Impact of Price Reductions

Market Dynamics

The price reduction is expected to significantly impact the market dynamics, making Tresiba more competitive and accessible to a wider patient base. This move aligns with Novo Nordisk's commitment to improving insulin affordability and addressing the challenges faced by people living with diabetes.

Patient Access

The reduced prices, combined with various affordability options through NovoCare, are designed to help more patients access the medication. In 2023, NovoCare assisted nearly 1.5 million people living with diabetes, and the price reductions are expected to further enhance this reach[5].

Historical Price Trends

From 2019 to 2023, the average year-over-year change in the package WAC for Tresiba was calculated to be around 1%. This historical data indicates a relatively stable pricing trend before the announced reductions[3].

Therapeutic Alternatives and Comparisons

Tresiba is compared to other long-acting insulins such as insulin glargine (Lantus) and Semglee. The cost comparison shows that Tresiba, even before the price reductions, was competitive but often more expensive than some of its therapeutic alternatives. However, the new pricing strategy is set to change this landscape, making Tresiba a more affordable option[3].

FDA Approval and Development Timeline

Tresiba's approval was initially delayed due to concerns over potential cardiovascular risks. However, after conducting a dedicated cardiovascular risk trial, the FDA approved Tresiba for use in adults and later extended its approval to include children and adolescents with diabetes[4].

Patient Assistance Programs

Novo Nordisk offers several patient assistance programs, including copay cards and savings offers, to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for patients. For example, eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $35 per 30-day prescription, with savings of up to $65 per fill[2].

Key Takeaways

• Market Position: Tresiba competes in a crowded insulin market but has been projected to generate significant revenue.
• Pricing: The current cost is around $366 for a 10 mL supply, but Novo Nordisk has announced a 72.2% price reduction starting January 1, 2026.
• Affordability: The price reduction aims to make Tresiba more accessible and competitive.
• Historical Trends: The WAC has seen a stable year-over-year change of around 1% from 2019 to 2023.
• Patient Access: Various affordability options and the new pricing strategy are expected to improve patient access.

FAQs

Q: What is Tresiba, and when was it approved by the FDA? A: Tresiba, or insulin degludec, is a long-acting basal insulin analogue approved by the FDA on September 25, 2015, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus[4].

Q: How much does Tresiba currently cost? A: The current cost for Tresiba (100 units/mL) subcutaneous solution is around $366 for a supply of 10 milliliters for cash-paying customers, but prices can vary[2].

Q: What are the upcoming price reductions for Tresiba? A: Starting January 1, 2026, the list prices of Tresiba will be reduced by 72.2%, making the new WAC $94.29 for a U-100 vial, $141.43 for a U-100 device, and $169.71 for a U-200 device[5].

Q: How does Tresiba compare to other long-acting insulins in terms of cost? A: Before the price reductions, Tresiba was often more expensive than some therapeutic alternatives like insulin glargine. However, the new pricing will make Tresiba more competitive and affordable[3].

Q: What patient assistance programs are available for Tresiba? A: Novo Nordisk offers copay cards and savings offers, allowing eligible commercially insured patients to pay as little as $35 per 30-day prescription, with savings of up to $65 per fill[2].

Sources

1. Managed Healthcare Executive: "Diabetes drug Tresiba to make billions"
2. Drugs.com: "Tresiba Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance"
3. Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board: "Tresiba & Tresiba FlexTouch Affordability Review"
4. Drugs.com: "Tresiba (insulin degludec) FDA Approval History"
5. Novo Nordisk: "Press releases - News details"