Prices of Anti-Diabetic Drugs Sold in Private Pharmacies in Côte d'Ivoire, 2023: A Secondary Analysis

Anti-diabetic drugs help reduce premature diabetes-related mortality. However, their prices constitute a barrier to accessing diabetes treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the price of antidiabetic drugs sold in private pharmacies in Côte d'Ivoire.

All anti-diabetic drugs listed in the Côte d'Ivoire drug registration database were selected, and wholesale prices were collected. The median price of insulins was calculated per 1000 units of active ingredient, and that of oral antidiabetics was calculated per 30 days of treatment, based on the maximum daily dose (MDD). Prices were compared with corresponding 2015 International Medical Products Price Guide by calculating the median price ratio.

A total of 138 drugs were identified (123 oral antidiabetics and 15 insulins and analogs). Median prices ranged from US$39.5 for rapid-acting insulins to US$245.6 for analogs (Deglutec). Median prices for oral antidiabetics ranged from US$4.5 to US$11.3 for Metformin 500mg, from US$1 (Glibenclamid 5mg) to US$27.7 (Glimepiride 1mg) for Sulfonylureas, from US$13.9 (Sitagliptin 50mg) to US$26.3 (Vidagliptin 50mg) for DDP-4 inhibitors and from US$24.2 (Empaglifozin 25mg) to US$39.4 (Empaglifozin 10mg) for SGLT-2 inhibitors. The median price ratio ranged from 7.016 (Human regular) to 38.427 (NPH70/30) for insulins group and from 2.375 (Metformin 500mg) to 26.7 (Glimepirid 4mg) for oral antidiabetics.

Prices of antidiabetic drugs were higher than the international references prices. The development of a pricing policy emphasizing added value and price referencing, together with the development of a local generics industry, could guarantee prices that are accessible to the population and bearable by universal health coverage.