The economic value of a new insulin preparation, Humalog (R) Mix 25 (TM) measured by a willingness-to-pay approach

Objective: To measure the economic value of a new insulin formulation consi sting of rapid-acting insulin lispro and intermediate-acting neutral protam ine lispro in a 25 : 75 ratio (Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM)). Design and Setting: Acost-benefit analysis using a consumer-based willingne ss-to-pay (WTP) approach was used. The study sample consisted of 80 Canadia n taxpayers randomly selected from Ontario and Quebec. After background inf ormation on the differences between Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM) and human 30/70 i nsulin were presented, respondents were asked what their preferred product would be if they were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Respondents were th en asked the maximum premium that they would pay per month in the form of a user's fee for the insulin of their choice. Study Perspective: Canadian taxpayer perspective. Main Outcome Measures and Results: The WTP survey instrument was simple to administer and easily understood by participants. Approximately 84% of the sample of taxpayers preferred to use Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM) rather than huma n 30/70 insulin and were willing to pay for it (p = 0.012). They were willi ng to pay a mean of $Can35.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): $Can27.50 to $ Can43.07] per month for the benefits offered by Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM), whic h was at least 2-fold higher than the incremental monthly cost of the drug (1999 values). Conclusions: The results of the study revealed that Canadians prefer to use Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM) instead of human 30/70 insulin, and they would be wi lling to pay for it. Compared with other drugs, this overall net gain sugge sts that Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM) represents good value for money and should b e considered for reimbursement by government formularies and other third-pa rty payers.