Eli Lilly Will Donate Additional Insulin Vials to US Free Clinics

As part of an ongoing effort to expand insulin access, Eli Lilly has announced that it will donate at least 200,000 KwikPens across the United States through 2022, according to a company press release.

The KwikPens will be given to 3 relief organizations –– Americares, Direct Relief, and Dispensary of Hope –– to stock insulin at approximately 200 US free clinics to support lower-income communities. Eli Lilly will donate KwikPens of insulin lispro injection 100 units/mL (Humalog), insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro injectable suspension (Humalog Mix75/25), and insulin glargine injection 100 units/mL (Basaglar).

In addition, Lilly is offering $2 million in grants to relief agencies that will distribute to a wide range of eligible free clinics.

“Dispensary of Hope is excited to expand the ongoing effort with Lilly’s insulin donation program” Chris Palombo, CEO of Dispensary of Hope, said in a statement. “Insulin saves lives, and the addition of donated Humalog and Basaglar KwikPens is important for the nation’s uninsured, low-income community.”

This effort expands on Lilly’s previous donations, in which the company has provided 120,000 insulin vials that have been used by patients who qualify for free clinic services since 2018. Lilly also offers a broader suite of affordability solutions, including lower-priced versions of branded insulins, out-of-pocket price caps at pharmacies, and assistance for patients with immediate needs.

Related: Novo Nordisk Announces New Insulin Affordability Options

According to Lilly, 50% lower list prices for versions of its branded insulins Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen and Humalog Junior KwikPen will be available by mid-April. Lilly initially introduced its first lower-priced insulin, insulin lispro injection 100 units/mL, in May 2019 at a 50% lower list price than the branded version as well.

“This donation of KwikPens will help many people across the US get the treatment they need,” Mike Mason, president of Lilly Diabetes, said in a statement. “With the help of the relief agencies, Lilly insulin will now be available in many free clinics that are equipped to properly store it. These clinics help people find comprehensive care such as medicine, devices, and physician support, and are very important to people who live with diabetes and use these services. We will continue to evaluate the needs of these communities and enhance our insulin donations as necessary.”

Patients who may be in need can contact the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center at (833) 808-1234 (9 am to 8 pm, EST Monday through Friday).

References:

• Lilly plans donation of 200,000 insulin KwikPens over next three years to support lower-income communities [news release]. Eli Lilly’s website. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-plans-donation-200000-insulin-kwikpens-over-next-three. Accessed January 30, 2020.