Minnesota insulin lawsuit: AG Ellison reaches settlement with Novo Nordisk

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced on Monday that a settlement has been reached with Novo Nordisk over the high cost of insulin.

Novo Nordisk settlement

What we know:

The settlement ensures Minnesotans, with or without insurance, can buy insulin products from Novo Nordisk's for no more than $35 a month over the next five years. This follows a similar settlement with manufacturers Eli Lilly and Sanofi. 

Ellison made the announcement during a 10:30 a.m. press conference, which can be watched in the player above. 

Ellison was joined by Quinn Nystrom, a member of the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association of Minnesota, along with Nicole Smith-Holt, whose son Alec died due to ketoacidosis after he was "forced to ration his insulin due to its high costs," according to a press release. 

Lawsuit against insulin manufacturers 

The backstory:

In 2018, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office (AGO) filed a lawsuit against insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, alleging the companies deceptively raised the price of insulin and caused financial strain on uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans who need diabetes medication.

The cost of some insulin products has surged by more than 1,100% over the past 20 years, according to a 2020 report from Ellison's advisory task force on lowering pharmaceutical drug prices.

The Attorney General's Office reached a settlement in 2024 with manufacturers Eli Lilly and Sanofi, ensuring Minnesotans with a prescription can purchase a month’s supply of insulin from the manufacturers for $35 over the next five years. The AG's office reached a similar settlement with Novo Nordisk on Monday.

Additionally, Eli Lilly would donate free insulin to 15 clinics that serve low-income Minnesotans, while Sanofi would provide free insulin to residents with an annual household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level - $124,800 for a family of four, according to a previous press release. 

Ellison's response to the settlement

What they're saying:

In a statement on Monday, Ellison said, "Our litigation has had a huge impact on insulin prices. In 2018, when our lawsuit was filed, it could cost hundreds of dollars for Minnesotans to fill their insulin prescription. As of today, it will cost just $35. My mission as Attorney General is to help Minnesotans afford their lives, and lowering the cost of an expensive, life-saving drug like insulin does exactly that." 

"With this final insulin settlement, we have guaranteed that Minnesotans can not only obtain and afford their insulin, but they can choose between manufacturers and insulin products to ensure they get what they need," Ellison added. "While our insulin lawsuits have been resolved, the work my office to make life more affordable for folks across our state remains ongoing." 

More information can be found online at MNInsulin35.org.

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