Walmart Inc. will offer its own brand of analog insulin for people with diabetes. The medicine will cost between 58% and 75% less than the current cash price of branded insulin products for uninsured patients.
More than 3 million Walmart customers are diabetic, and the retailer currently offers human insulin to them for about $25.00. While widely considered the preferred option, analog insulin is expensive, promoting pleas from patients and Congressional investigations to lower the cost of the lifesaving drug.
The medicine is being manufactured by drug maker Novo Nordisk as part of a partnership that took 2 ½ years to finalize. It can be used by those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Price is a big barrier for diabetics who must take insulin to manage glucose levels and prevent complications. Approximately 34 million people have diabetes in the U.S, according to the American Diabetes Association, and 1.5 million Americans get diagnosed with the disease each year. Walmart’s product will cost $72.88 if administered through vials and $85.88 for a FlexPlen version. It’s available in pharmacies inside Walmart this July and will be in Sam’s Club warehouse locations mid-July.