Drug Price Trends for insulin degludec

Average Pharmacy Cost for insulin degludec

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
INSULIN DEGLUDEC FLEXTOUCH 200 UNIT/ML PEN	73070-0503-15	22.73877	ML	2024-12-18
INSULIN DEGLUDEC 100 UNIT/ML VIAL	73070-0400-11	11.38617	ML	2024-12-18
INSULIN DEGLUDEC FLEXTOUCH 100 UNIT/ML PEN	73070-0403-15	11.37836	ML	2024-12-18
INSULIN DEGLUDEC 100 UNIT/ML VIAL	73070-0400-11	11.38625	ML	2024-11-20
INSULIN DEGLUDEC FLEXTOUCH 100 UNIT/ML PEN	73070-0403-15	11.38541	ML	2024-11-20

Insulin degludec Market Analysis and Financial Projection

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Insulin Degludec

Introduction

Insulin degludec, marketed under the brand name Tresiba, is a long-acting basal insulin analog used in the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This article delves into the market analysis and price projections of insulin degludec, considering its cost-effectiveness, clinical benefits, and market dynamics.

Clinical Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness

Insulin degludec has been shown to offer several clinical benefits that contribute to its cost-effectiveness. It is associated with lower rates of hypoglycemia, reduced basal insulin doses, and fewer diabetes-related complications compared to other basal insulins[2][4].

Reduced Hypoglycemia and Complications

Studies have demonstrated that insulin degludec results in significantly fewer hypoglycemic events and lower rates of hyperglycemia with ketosis. This reduction in hypoglycemia and related complications leads to substantial cost savings in healthcare[2][4].

Lower Basal Insulin Doses

The BEGIN YOUNG 1 trial showed that insulin degludec required a 30% lower basal insulin dose compared to insulin detemir, which further contributes to cost savings[4].

Market Pricing and Cost Analysis

Current Pricing

The current cost for insulin degludec (100 units/mL) is approximately $134 for a 10 milliliter supply, depending on the pharmacy and the use of discount cards[1].

Comparative Cost Analysis

Insulin degludec has been compared to other basal insulins in terms of cost. For instance, a study in the UK found that the mean annual cost per patient for insulin degludec was £235.16, significantly lower than £382.91 for insulin detemir, resulting in an annual saving of £147.75 per patient[4].

Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness

Long-term analyses have shown that insulin degludec is cost-effective or even dominant compared to other basal insulins. In Sweden, it was projected to be cost-effective or dominant for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SEK 64,298 per QALY gained for type 2 diabetes over one year[2].

Market Dynamics and Regulatory Influences

National Volume-Based Procurement (NVBP)

In China, the implementation of the NVBP policy has significantly reduced insulin prices through competitive bidding and bulk purchasing. This policy has led to a 48% reduction in the average price of selected insulin products, with some prices dropping by more than 70%[5].

Impact on Insulin Degludec

The inclusion of insulin degludec in national medical insurance catalogs and the negotiation of reduced prices have enhanced its pharmacoeconomic advantages. For example, in China, insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) was found to be a dominant choice due to higher QALYs and lower costs compared to biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30)[5].

Price Projections

Scenario Analysis

A study projecting the price range of once-weekly insulin icodec, using insulin degludec as a reference, suggested that if the price of degludec decreased by 20%, the annual cost range of icodec could be $506.70-$736.34. This indicates that price adjustments in the market can significantly impact the cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec[3].

Future Pricing Trends

Given the competitive pricing environment and regulatory measures like NVBP, it is likely that the prices of insulin degludec will continue to be optimized. Future price projections may see a decrease in costs, making insulin degludec even more accessible and cost-effective for patients with diabetes.

Patient Assistance and Discount Programs

Discount Cards and Copay Cards

To make insulin degludec more affordable, various discount cards and copay cards are available. For instance, the Drugs.com Discount Card can save patients up to 80% off the cost of prescription medicines, including insulin degludec[1].

Conclusion

Insulin degludec is a clinically beneficial and cost-effective option for managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Its lower rates of hypoglycemia, reduced basal insulin doses, and fewer diabetes-related complications contribute to its cost-effectiveness. Market dynamics, including regulatory policies like NVBP, are likely to continue optimizing the prices of insulin degludec, making it a more affordable option for patients.

Key Takeaways

• Insulin degludec is associated with lower rates of hypoglycemia and reduced basal insulin doses.
• It offers significant cost savings compared to other basal insulins.
• Regulatory policies like NVBP in China have reduced insulin prices substantially.
• Discount cards and copay cards can further reduce the cost of insulin degludec.
• Future price projections suggest continued optimization of costs.

FAQs

Q: What is the current cost of insulin degludec?

A: The current cost for insulin degludec (100 units/mL) is approximately $134 for a 10 milliliter supply, depending on the pharmacy and the use of discount cards[1].

Q: How does insulin degludec compare to other basal insulins in terms of cost?

A: Insulin degludec is generally more cost-effective than other basal insulins, with studies showing annual savings of up to £147.75 per patient compared to insulin detemir[4].

Q: What is the impact of national volume-based procurement (NVBP) on insulin prices?

A: NVBP has significantly reduced insulin prices through competitive bidding and bulk purchasing, with some prices dropping by more than 70%[5].

Q: Are there any discount programs available for insulin degludec?

A: Yes, various discount cards and copay cards are available, such as the Drugs.com Discount Card, which can save patients up to 80% off the cost of prescription medicines[1].

Q: How does insulin degludec affect the quality of life for patients with diabetes?

A: Insulin degludec is associated with improved quality-adjusted life expectancy, with benefits including lower rates of hypoglycemia and reduced diabetes-related complications[2].

Sources

1. Drugs.com: Insulin degludec Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.
2. Tandfonline: Real-world cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
3. PubMed: Cost-utility analysis and drug pricing of once-weekly insulin icodec versus once-daily insulin degludec in type 2 diabetes.
4. BMJ: Cost analysis of insulin degludec in comparison with insulin detemir in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
5. Frontiers in Public Health: Cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec/insulin aspart versus biphasic insulin aspart 30 in China.