Walmart launches low-price private brand analog insulin

Walmart launched the first-ever private brand analog insulin on Tuesday, giving a significant discount on diabetic prescription medication.

Adults and children with a prescription will be able to purchase ReliOn NovoLog, an exclusive private-label form of analog insulin. In mid-July, the medication will be accessible through its membership-based Sam's Club. A vial of insulin will cost around $73 and a bundle of prefilled insulin pens will cost around $86.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 34 million individuals in the United States have diabetes, accounting for almost 11% of the population, and around 1.5 million people are diagnosed each year, CNBC stated. 

“We know many people with diabetes struggle to manage the financial burden of this condition, and we are focused on helping by providing affordable solutions,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Walmart Health & Wellness, in a statement.

The world's largest retailer said its millions of diabetic clients may save between 58 % and 75 % on branded analog insulin, or up to $101 for each branded vial or $251 per package of branded FlexPen. 

“With ReliOn NovoLog insulin, we’re adding a high-quality medication for diabetes to the already affordable ReliOn line of products and continuing our commitment to improve access and lowering cost of care,” Dr. Pegus said. 

Walmart will apply its long-standing commitment to “everyday low price” to a medicine that is becoming a medical need for an increasing number of Americans.

Patients, consumer activists, and politicians in the United States have long complained about the high list pricing for insulin and the considerable out-of-pocket expenditures that patients bear.

Walmart states that its solutions were designed for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and were developed in collaboration with pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk.

The ReliOn NovoLog insulin offering adds to Walmart's legacy that enhances access to quality, inexpensive health care resources, like the $4 generic prescription program introduced more than a decade ago.

Picture Credits: Fox Business