New partnership for Highmark hospital system could drastically cut price of insulin

PITTSBURGH — Insulin is a lifesaving drug for those managing their diabetes, but the cost has continued to skyrocket, and now one local health care provider is finding a way to lower it.

In March, Highmark, along with 17 other Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations, announced a partnership with Civica RX to manufacture and distribute three analog insulins: glargine, lispro and aspart. They will be biosimilar drugs of the brand-name insulins Lantus, Humalog and Novolog.

The insulins will be available in vials and prefilled pens at no more than $30 per vial or $55 for a box of five pens.

A goal — Highmark’s Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Sarah Marche said it will change patient care.

“We want people to take their medications as prescribed,” said Marche.

Marche said that according to recent data, 25% of patients skip critical doses to stretch their supply.

“Insulin is our lives, without insulin, we don’t last,” said Mark Masa.

Masa, a television photographer, has worked at WPXI for more than 30 years and has battled Type 1 diabetes for nearly his entire life.

“I was diagnosed when I was three years old so come Aug. 2 it will be 58 years,” said Masa who explained that over the years, he’s watched the price increase.

According to the American Diabetes Association of America, 1 in 10 Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and, like Masa, believe the cost of insulin is just too high.

“It’s unaffordable for many people insured or uninsured,” said Marche.

But now with the newly announced partnership, Highmark will be able to offer its members and patients access.

“Civica is proposing or hoping to be able to provide insulin at 30 dollars per vial.”

That’s a roughly 90% discount.

A local discount pharmacist believes this will not only cut costs but help save lives.

Kyle McCormick, owner of low-cost drugstore Blueberry Pharmacy, said competition in the market will help costs.

“Usually, a vial can range anywhere from 90 some dollars to 200 some dollars for pharmacist,” said McCormick who added, “Introductions like Civica spur competition and drive down prices.”

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