Authorized Generics for NovoLog and NovoLog Mix Announced

September 6, 2019 – Novo Nordisk has announced its intention to launch authorized generics for NovoLog® (insulin aspart injection) and NovoLog® Mix (insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart) products. NovoLog and NovoLog Mix products are indicated to improve glycemic control in patients who have diabetes mellitus.

The announcement comes as Novo Nordisk and other manufacturers of high-cost insulin products face growing scrutiny. According to the American Diabetes Association, the cost of insulin has tripled since 2002, based on list prices, and increased by 64% since 2014. Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly were called before a U.S. congressional committee in April 2019 to testify in regards to insulin price increases. In May 2019, Eli Lilly launched an authorized generic for Humalog® (insulin lispro injection) at half the list price of the brand name product.

Novo Nordisk has taken a similar strategy with its NovoLog and NovoLog Mix authorized generics, each of which will be available at half the list price of its brand name counterpart.

Recommended dosing for NovoLog, NovoLog Mix, and their generics depends on individual patient factors. NovoLog and its generics can be administered via subcutaneous (SC) injection, continuous SC infusion (insulin pump), or intravenous (IV) infusion. NovoLog Mix and its generics must be administered via SC injection, and should not be used with insulin pumps or given intravenously.

The new authorized generics are expected to launch in January 2020.