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The issues with getting insulin in America

Alexis Stanley shows her insulin kit in St.Paul, Minnesota.
Alexis Stanley shows her insulin kit in St.Paul, Minnesota.

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lillyannouncedon March 1 that it would cut the cost of its insulin at retail pharmacies by 70 percent. That’s for patients with or without insurance. 

But people with diabetes, type 1 and type 2 use various kinds of insulins. And Eli Lilly is one of three pharmaceutical companies that supply insulin in the U.S. Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi are known as the“Big Three”in the insulin business.

For years, people in the U.S. who are insulin-dependent have had torationtheir insulin ordrive to Canadaor Mexico to afford it. 

The patent to insulin was initiallysold for $1. So why have insulin prices in the U.S. skyrocketed over the years? How much will Eli Lilly’s decision affect people across the country? 

We put together a panel to discuss.

Copyright 2023 WAMU 88.5

Jorgelina Manna-Rea