Eli Lilly and Co said on Tuesday that certain patients could secure a discount of up to 40 percent on its insulin products through its partnership with Express Scripts Holding Co.

The discount – designed for patients who pay full retail prices at the pharmacy, such as those who are uninsured – is being put in place for products purchased on Blink Health mobile and web platforms, effective Jan. 1.

By using the Blink Health platforms, people who pay full price for most Lilly insulins may save 40 percent. This discount program will be the first time branded medicines will be discounted via the Blink Health platform, which has previously only been used for generic prescription drugs.  

“We understand the burden people face when paying full price for insulin,” said Mike Mason, vice president, Lilly Diabetes. “This platform will effectively allow Lilly to lower our insulin retail prices for users of this platform while not affecting the reimbursement system for other people living with diabetes.”

Lilly has met with multiple leaders in the diabetes community, including leading advocacy groups and people with diabetes, about the price of insulin for several months. Lilly and Express Scripts started working on options for people who pay full retail price earlier this fall. Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly Diabetes, said today’s announcement will hopefully drive additional change within the health care system for people who use insulin.

“The health care system is incredibly complex, and we hope this program is a first step that will drive more thinking and innovative solutions for people with diabetes,” Conterno said. “A more extensive solution will require leadership and cooperation across many stakeholders, including manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurers and patients.  We’re committed to seeking additional solutions so that everyone who uses insulin has reasonable access.”

Over the course of the U.S. presidential campaign inflated drug prices have been criticized in context of the heavy burden on consumers, many of whom can’t afford medicines or face increasing co-pays on prescription drugs.

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Source  Eli Lilly Press Release, Reuters, Washington Post

Read full article in pdf: Wall Street Journal 12/14/2016