California suing Novo Nordisk for “driving up the cost” of insulin

Danish pharma giant one of six companies named in lawsuit in response to prices being almost ten times higher in the US than most other western countries

Novo Nordisk is one of three pharmaceutical companies being sued by the US state of California for charging too much for insulin.

Over 10 percent of the state’s adult population are diabetics, amounting to at least 3 million people, and California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, contends that many are unable to afford medicine that “can mean the difference between life and death” – even if they have health insurance.

Those most at risk tend to be from low-income households. According to the California Department of Public Health, black and Hispanic people in the state are far more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic white people and much more likely to die as a result.

Crazy gulf between countries
The lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk – along with fellow pharma giants Eli Lilly (US) and Sanofi (France) – of “driving up the cost of the lifesaving drug through unlawful, unfair, and deceptive business practices in violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law”. 

Bonta refers to a 2020 study carried out by RAND that demonstrated the price of insulin in the USA was four to ten times more than 32 other countries surveyed.

While a vial of insulin cost 98.7 dollars in the US, the next most expensive was in Chile, where it costs 21.48. Most of the countries were at least six to eight times cheaper: Japan (14.4), Canada (12.0), Germany (11.0) and France (9.8).

Many are forced to ration their usage
Three other companies – pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx – are also named in the lawsuit, accused of “leveraging their market power to overcharge patients”.

“Insulin is a necessary drug that millions of Americans rely upon for their health, not a luxury good. With today’s lawsuit, we’re fighting back against drug companies and PBMs that unacceptably and artificially inflate the cost of life-saving medication at the expense of vulnerable patients,” claimed Bonta.

“No-one should be forced to ration or go without basic medication that could mean the difference between life or death. California will continue to be a leader in the fight to ensure everyone has equal access to affordable healthcare and prescription medications they need to stay healthy.”




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.