Lilly collab to supply affordable insulin
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Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) and EVA Pharma, an Egypt-based healthcare product manufacturer, are collaborating to deliver sustainable and affordable insulin to people in Africa. Lilly says they will work together to supply human and analogue insulin to at least one million people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Lilly says the partnership marks the first time it will supply its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for insulin at a “significantly reduced price.” Lilly also plans to provide a “pro-bono technology transfer” allowing EVA Pharma to formulate, fill and finish insulin vials and cartridges.
“Our new collaboration with EVA Pharma reflects Lilly’s deep commitment to making equitable and affordable access to insulin a reality for people living with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries,” said Ilya Yuffa, president of Lilly International. “This latest initiative from Lilly will empower local manufacturing, finishing and distribution of quality insulin – in Africa – which will transform communities and make life better for people throughout the continent.”
EVA Pharma plans to begin distribution within 18 months and aims to reach one million people per year by 2030.
“EVA Pharma is committed to empowering the fight for health and well-being as a human right,” said Riad Armanious, CEO of EVA Pharma. “People suffering from diabetes in LMICs experience daily challenges in accessing treatment. We feel blessed to collaborate with the team at Lilly. Combining our African reach, state-of-the-art facilities, and Lilly’s deep expertise in diabetes care, we aim to treat at least one million patients by 2030 who otherwise may not have access to life-saving medication.”
The collaboration is part of the Lilly 30×30 initiative, which aims to improve access to quality healthcare for 30 million people.