Lilly Offers Half-Price Insulin in Counter to Cost Pressure

Drugmaker Eli Lilly & Co. will offer a half-priced version of its blockbuster insulin, becoming one of the first companies to effectively cut the price of a top-selling drug amid the ongoing U.S. debate over pharmaceutical costs.

While it will continue selling its brand-name version at the existing price, Indianapolis-based Lilly will also sell a half-cost “authorized generic” for $137.35 a vial, or $265.20 for a five-pack of injectable pens. That will give a better deal to customers who pay cash, or who are in insurance plans that make them pay a percentage of a drug’s list price.