The affordability and accessibility of insulin is a topic of broad public interest for several factors, not the least of which is the absolute need for insulin in persons with diabetes who might otherwise die without treatment. The relative number of patients with diabetes globally, and the amount of money government programs, commercial plan sponsors, and patients expend on diabetic medicines such as insulin has also generated significant interest in insulin prices. This study examined insulin prices by providing detailed insulin price comparisons across the globe. It presents insulin price variability on a per-insulin-package basis and measures insulin affordability relative to a country’s individual measures of economic wealth – namely, median annual income, average annual income, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. This research examined insulin prices at retail pharmacies in 20 countries of varying economic status. In so doing, the goal of this research is to provide greater context and transparency into insulin pricing and affordability.
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