Michigan is seeking court approval to investigate Eli Lilly over its insulin prices, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Jan. 26.
The state is requesting the probe under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Michigan also filed a petition Jan. 25 asking a judge to reconsider two state Supreme Court rulings that limit the state from taking action on drug prices under the consumer protection law.
"The average out-of-pocket cost of a single vial of insulin is nearing $100," Ms. Nessel said in a news release. "No Michigander should have to face that kind of cost for life-saving medicine."
Eli Lilly is one of the three largest drugmakers that manufacture a majority of the nation's insulin. In a statement to Becker's, the drugmaker said the average monthly out-of-pocket cost for its insulin has fallen 27 percent — to $28.05 — in the last four years.
"Lilly is deeply disappointed by the false accusations and inaccurate claims about Lilly's insulins that the Michigan attorney general is making," the statement said. "These claims are particularly surprising given the multiple affordability solutions that Lilly offers — where anyone is eligible to purchase their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35 or less, regardless of the number of pens or vials, whether they are uninsured or use commercial insurance, Medicaid, or a participating Medicare Part D plan."
View the full release here.