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Availability and use of long-acting insulin analogues including their biosimilars across Africa; findings and implications

Availability and use of long-acting insulin analogues including their biosimilars across Africa; findings and implications

Authors :
Brian Godman
Trudy Leong
Abdullahi Rabiu Abubakar
Amanj Kurdi
Francis Kalemeera
Godfrey Mutashambara Rwegerera
Okwen Patrick
Loveline Lum Niba
Kamilou Ibrahim
Amu, Adefolarin A.
Patrick Matowa
Joseph Acolatse
Robert Incoom
Israel Sefah
Sylvia Opanga
Lisper Wangeci Njeri
David Kimonge
Margaret Oluka
Ibrahim Chikowe
Felix Khuluza
Henry Phiri
Dan Kibuule
Ester Hango
Ibrahim Haruna Sani
Oliver Ombeva Malande
Thereza Piloya-Were
Luke Alutuli
Aubrey Chichonyi Kalungia
Blessmore Vimbai Chaibva
Trust Zaranyika
Mainul Haque
Eleonora Allocati
Stephen Campbell
Eunice Twumwaa Adwubi
Olayinka Ogunleye
Source :
University of Strathclyde

Abstract

Background: Prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus are growing across Africa with an appreciable number likely to be on insulin to manage their condition. This has significant implications on future morbidity and mortality exacerbated by high complication rates. Complication rates in patients requiring insulins are enhanced by hypoglycaemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycaemia and improve patient compliance. However, they are typically appreciably more expensive than human and other insulins in Africa, and continuing controversies surrounding their benefits limits their listing on national essential medicine lists (EMLs). Biosimilars can reduce the prices long-acting insulin analogues. This needs assessing. Methods: Mixed methods approach including documentation of insulin utilisation patterns and prices among a range of African countries. In addition, input from senior level government, academic, and healthcare professionals from across Africa on the current situation with long-acting insulin analogues as well as potential changes needed to enhance future funding of long-acting analogue biosimilars. Results: There is variable listing of long-acting insulin analogues on national EMLs across Africa due to their high prices and issues of affordability. Even when listed, utilisation of long-acting insulin analogues is limited by similar issues including affordability. Appreciably lowering the prices of long-acting insulin analogues via biosimilars should enhance future listing on EMLs and use accompanied by educational and other initiatives. However, this will require increased competition to lower prices. Conclusion: There are concerns with value and funding of long-acting insulin analogues across Africa including biosimilars. A number of activities have been identified to improve future funding and listing on EMLs.

Subjects

Subjects :
RS

Details

ISSN :
09182918
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
University of Strathclyde
Accession number :
edsair.dedup.wf.001..02d86d6de7960ecec73769bbd2ca774a