From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices

The recent substantial price reductions in insulin therapy by major manufacturers prompt an examination of their impact on South Africa (SA)’s healthcare. While Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi cut prices on long-acting basal insulin, among others, significantly, these insulins are not on SA...

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Main Authors: M Leuschner, M Strydom, V Steenkamp
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: South African Medical Association 2024-08-01
Series:South African Medical Journal
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Online Access:https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2014
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author M Leuschner
M Strydom
V Steenkamp
author_facet M Leuschner
M Strydom
V Steenkamp
author_sort M Leuschner
collection DOAJ
description The recent substantial price reductions in insulin therapy by major manufacturers prompt an examination of their impact on South Africa (SA)’s healthcare. While Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi cut prices on long-acting basal insulin, among others, significantly, these insulins are not on SA’s Essential Medicines List (EML) for primary healthcare. With a high prevalence of diabetes, especially pre-diabetes, in the country, the EML’s neglect of newer long-acting insulin treatments hampers effective disease management. Despite efforts by the public and private sectors, insulin therapy initiation is delayed, impacting long-term outcomes. The introduction of smart insulin pens adds a technological dimension, but concerns persist about equitable access. Urging policy-makers to re-evaluate guidelines and decolonise the EML, the article emphasises enhancing patient quality of life and reducing the disease burden.
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series South African Medical Journal
spelling doaj-art-838ee62a7f3d4476a0e7bf191a767d7f2025-02-10T12:25:45ZengSouth African Medical AssociationSouth African Medical Journal0256-95742078-51352024-08-01114810.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i8.2014From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin pricesM Leuschner0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1901-5416M Strydom1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8144-4970V Steenkamp2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3575-0410Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South AfricaDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South AfricaDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa The recent substantial price reductions in insulin therapy by major manufacturers prompt an examination of their impact on South Africa (SA)’s healthcare. While Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi cut prices on long-acting basal insulin, among others, significantly, these insulins are not on SA’s Essential Medicines List (EML) for primary healthcare. With a high prevalence of diabetes, especially pre-diabetes, in the country, the EML’s neglect of newer long-acting insulin treatments hampers effective disease management. Despite efforts by the public and private sectors, insulin therapy initiation is delayed, impacting long-term outcomes. The introduction of smart insulin pens adds a technological dimension, but concerns persist about equitable access. Urging policy-makers to re-evaluate guidelines and decolonise the EML, the article emphasises enhancing patient quality of life and reducing the disease burden. https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2014Diabetes managementInsulin affordabilityEssential Medicine ListHealthcare disparities
spellingShingle M Leuschner
M Strydom
V Steenkamp
From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
South African Medical Journal
Diabetes management
Insulin affordability
Essential Medicine List
Healthcare disparities
title From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
title_full From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
title_fullStr From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
title_full_unstemmed From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
title_short From economics to health outcomes: Delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
title_sort from economics to health outcomes delving into the significance of reduced insulin prices
topic Diabetes management
Insulin affordability
Essential Medicine List
Healthcare disparities
url https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2014
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