Cutting-edge insulin is good. But it’s the ‘trailing edge’ of older versions that can keep it affordable By Robin FeldmanMay 15, 2024

Cutting-edge insulin is good. But it’s the ‘trailing edge’ of older versions that can keep it affordable By Robin FeldmanMay 15, 2024 https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/15/discontinuing-insulin-problematic-trailing-edge-older-versions-keep-it-affordable/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_TsBzPFkOj7xoKrO4jpRau01RUbW39hhS48QoRf7VnhD1pWIGW7V3_v2RfNN7WARE87j76JC7tJU5LCqdSyP4s6OhogQ&_hsmi=307106714&utm_content=307106714&utm_source=hs_email A century after insulin was first introduced — with its inventors selling the patent to a university for $1 — the lifesaving medication has become the poster child for soaring drug prices. But how does that happen? In a new First Opinion essay, Robin Feldman argues that companies discontinue older versions of insulin products, essentially forcing people to use newer, more expensive versions. The proof is in the market-pudding: More human insulin products have been discontinued (16) than currently remain on the market (10). It doesn’t make sense to require companies to keep making a product, writes Feldman, director of the Center for Innovation at UC Law San Francisco. But if one company stops making a product, another one should be able to step in and start. Read more from Feldman on what policymakers could do to ensure there’s affordable, accessible insulin.