- Center on Health Equity & Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
What Does Novo Nordisk's Move Mean for Afrezza?
The new drug application says the insulin will be faster-acting, but it does not say just how fast.
For most of 2015, market watchers and diabetes patients alike have observed the Afrezza conundrum: despite glowing reports from users, sales have been well below expectations, due to a number of challenges for Afrezza’s maker, MannKind, and its marketing partner, Sanofi.
Now comes a new threat: competitor Novo Nordisk has filed a new drug application (NDA) for a “faster-acting insulin aspart,” which is described as a “mealtime insulin developed for the treatment of adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.”
The application, filed December 9, 2015, doesn’t say just how fast that “faster acting” insulin is. It does say the insulin would be injected with Novo Nordisk’s FlexTouch device.
It remains to be seen whether Afrezza will maintain any edge over a Novo Nordisk insulin. At the moment, the company’s fastest-acting product, Novolog, takes up to 30 minutes longer to reach its peak absorption rate.
No matter what, Afrezza’s inhalable form would still have the same benefits and challenges it has now: convenience and freedom from needles for those who dislike injections. This includes the potential willingness of some type 2 patients to use insulin who won’t try it at all.
A search social media under the hashtag “Afrezza,” produces posts that say, “My lowest A1C ever,” some with printouts showing the proof. Patients with type 1 diabetes revel in enjoying a holiday meal for the first time in years. There’s also occasional discussion of what to do when an endocrinologist won’t prescribe the mealtime insulin.
Afrezza isn’t intended to replace long-acting insulin for type 1 patients; instead, it’s used at mealtimes to quickly keep blood sugar levels in check. Patients have offered testimonials about increased levels of glycemic control, as well as not drawing attention by injecting themselves in public.
Quarter earnings reports are a different story. The American Journal of Managed Care reported this summer how Sanofi made a concerted effort at the American Diabetes Association meeting in June to educate physicians on how to bill for spirometry, which FDA required to screen out patients with lung problems. Despite this, the black box warning is enough to scare off many physicians from prescribing Afrezza. A bigger problem appears to be payers, many of whom have declined to cover the therapy.
Intensive Blood Pressure Regimen Lowers CVD Risk for People With Diabetes
November 19th 2024Reducing systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg lowered the risk of major cardiovascular events for most people with type 2 diabetes in the Blood Pressure Control Target in Diabetes trial.
Read More
Exploring Pharmaceutical Innovations, Trust, and Access With CVS Health's CMO
July 11th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the chief medical officer of CVS Health about recent pharmaceutical innovations, patient-provider relationships, and strategies to reduce drug costs.
Listen
Contributor: The Diabetes Vendor Resource Guide—A Useful Directory for Employers
November 13th 2024Employees living with diabetes often face unique challenges, such as managing blood sugar levels, balancing medication, and preventing complications, all while maintaining their professional responsibilities. This condition can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and rising health care costs.
Read More
How Can Employers Leverage the DPP to Improve Diabetes Rates?
February 15th 2022On this episode of Managed Care Cast, Jill Hutt, vice president of member services at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, explains the Coalition’s efforts to reduce diabetes rates through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
Listen
