Introduction
Insulin glargine, marketed under the brand name Lantus among others, is a long-acting insulin analog used in the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The NDC code 00088-2219 corresponds to Lantus, a product of Sanofi. Here, we will delve into the market analysis and price projections for this essential diabetes medication.
Current Pricing Landscape
As of recent reports, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Lantus (NDC 00088-2220-33, which is closely related to 00088-2219) was $283.56 per vial[1][5].
Price Comparisons with Therapeutic Alternatives
Lantus is compared to other therapeutic alternatives such as Tresiba, Semglee, and others. For instance, Semglee, an interchangeable insulin with Lantus, is significantly cheaper, with a WAC of $113.42 per vial, representing a 60% cost difference compared to Lantus[1].
Historical Price Trends
From 2019 to 2023, the average year-over-year change in the WAC for Lantus was approximately 1%, which is relatively stable compared to inflation rates during the same period[1][5].
Recent Price Adjustments
In a significant move to enhance affordability, Sanofi reduced the list price of Lantus by 78% in March 2023 and capped out-of-pocket costs at $35 for patients with commercial insurance. This adjustment reflects a commitment to making insulin more accessible[4].
Market Projections
Drug Price Inflation
According to Vizient's summer Pharmacy Market Outlook, the overall drug price inflation rate for pharmaceuticals in 2025 is projected to be 3.81%. This inflation rate could impact the pricing of Lantus, although specific adjustments would depend on various market and regulatory factors[2].
Biopharma and Biotech Industry Trends
The biopharma and biotech industries are experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and evolving regulatory frameworks. While these trends may not directly influence the pricing of established drugs like Lantus, they could lead to the development of new, potentially more affordable alternatives or biosimilars[3].
Regulatory Environment
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Oregon, established by Senate Bill 844 (2021), plays a crucial role in evaluating the cost of prescription drugs, including insulin products. Such regulatory bodies can influence pricing by setting affordability standards and capping out-of-pocket costs for patients[1][5].
Impact of Generic and Biosimilar Insulins
The introduction of biosimilars like Semglee has significantly reduced the cost of insulin therapy. Semglee, approved by the FDA in 2021, is 242.37% less expensive than Tresiba and offers a more affordable alternative to Lantus, potentially impacting its market share and pricing[1].
Patient Access and Affordability
Efforts to cap out-of-pocket costs, such as Sanofi's $35 cap for Lantus, are crucial in making insulin more accessible to patients. These initiatives, combined with regulatory measures, aim to reduce the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems[4].
Key Takeaways
- Current Pricing: The WAC for Lantus (NDC 00088-2220-33) is $283.56 per vial.
- Price Adjustments: Sanofi reduced the list price of Lantus by 78% and capped out-of-pocket costs at $35.
- Historical Trends: The WAC for Lantus has seen a stable year-over-year change of about 1% from 2019 to 2023.
- Market Projections: Overall drug price inflation is projected at 3.81% for 2025, but specific impacts on Lantus are uncertain.
- Regulatory Influence: Bodies like the PDAB in Oregon play a significant role in affordability reviews and setting cost standards.
- Biosimilars and Generics: The presence of biosimilars like Semglee offers more affordable alternatives, potentially affecting Lantus pricing and market share.
FAQs
Q: What is the current wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Lantus (NDC 00088-2219)?
A: As of recent reports, the WAC for Lantus (NDC 00088-2220-33) is $283.56 per vial.
Q: How has Sanofi adjusted the pricing of Lantus recently?
A: Sanofi reduced the list price of Lantus by 78% and capped out-of-pocket costs at $35 for patients with commercial insurance.
Q: What is the projected drug price inflation rate for 2025?
A: According to Vizient, the overall drug price inflation rate for pharmaceuticals in 2025 is projected to be 3.81%.
Q: How do biosimilars like Semglee impact the pricing of Lantus?
A: Biosimilars like Semglee offer significantly cheaper alternatives, potentially reducing the market share and pricing pressure on Lantus.
Q: What role do regulatory bodies like the PDAB play in drug pricing?
A: Regulatory bodies like the PDAB evaluate the cost of prescription drugs, set affordability standards, and cap out-of-pocket costs to protect patients and healthcare systems.
Sources
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, "Tresiba & Tresiba FlexTouch Affordability Review"
- Vizient, Inc., "Vizient projects drug price inflation at 3.81%"
- TFS CRO, "5 Predictions for the Biopharma and Biotech Industries in 2025"
- Sanofi, "Sanofi cuts U.S. list price of Lantus®, its most-prescribed insulin, by 78% and caps out-of-pocket Lantus costs at $35 for all patients with commercial insurance"
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, "Agenda - Oregon Division of Financial Regulation"
