The impact of biosimilar insulins on the diabetes landscape

J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2022 Jan;28(1):91-98. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.21253. Epub 2021 Nov 2.

Abstract

The cost of diabetes care in the United States continues to rise, with insulin costs growing rapidly. Accessibility and affordability of these life-saving medications are concerns for providers and patients that need to be addressed. Availability of biosimilar insulin products may help address these issues by introducing additional competition to the insulin market, but they may also face adoption challenges from patients and health care providers alike. In addition, policymakers at state and federal levels are examining and addressing rising insulin costs through legislative and administrative actions. The purpose of this paper is to review the current US diabetes landscape, highlight the differences between biosimilar insulins and follow-on insulins and considerations for successful adoption of biosimilar insulins, and review the current policy landscape regarding rising insulin costs. DISCLOSURES: This Viewpoints article was supported by Sandoz, Inc. Wagner and Patel are employees of Sandoz, Inc. White was employed by Sandoz, Inc., at the time of this study.

MeSH terms

  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / economics*
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / therapeutic use*
  • Cost Savings
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / economics*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin / economics*
  • Insulin / therapeutic use*
  • Insurance, Health
  • Medicare
  • Policy Making
  • United States

Substances

  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin