Civica to produce more affordable insulin

(ABC 6 News) – A nonprofit generic drug company recently announced plans to manufacture and distribute affordable insulin.

The company, Civica, was created by a group of eight hospitals including Mayo Clinic. It was launched in 2018 with the goal of helping patients by addressing supply shortages and high prices for medications.

The plans will cap insulin prices at $30 per vial, and $55 for a box of five pen cartridges. This is a significant discount for patients, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured as they often pay the most out of pocket for their medications.

"At least as I see patients with diabetes every day, I am more and more encouraged that more and more steps are being taken in the right direction to help patients and to make treatments affordable," said Dr. Yogish Kudva, a consultant with the Division of Endocrinology at Mayo Clinic.

Civica will produce three different insulin types which will be interchangeable with common name brands. Civica plans to co-develop and manufacture these insulin types, complete clinical trials, and the necessary applications for FDA approval.

"Our mission is to do what is in the best interest of patients and so our goal is to bring the cost of this drug down for people who need it," said Allan Coukell, senior vice president of public policy at Civica. "By announcing now, if other manufacturers start to lower their prices in anticipation, then that’s a good thing."

Civica says it will be able to produce a substantial amount of the insulin needed in the U.S. with additional space to increase production if necessary. It anticipates the first insulin type will be available for purchase as soon as 2024 but the timing depends on FDA approval.