Tuesday, December 15, 2020
PITTSBURGH, Pa. and Ridgefield, Conn (December 15, 2020) — Highmark and Boehringer Ingelheim announced positive results from their outcomes-based agreement, which showed that adults with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease who took Jardiance® (empagliflozin) had a lower annual total cost of care compared with those prescribed other branded or generic anti-hyperglycemic medications. Jardiance is an oral prescription medicine indicated along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known cardiovascular disease. Jardiance is not for people with type 1 diabetes or for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine). Please see Important Safety Information below. Jardiance is a product in the Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company alliance portfolio.
The innovative outcomes-based agreement, launched in 2018, was designed to evaluate the total cost of care for in-scope patients over a one-year period, using actuarial analytical methods. In the retrospective analysis of pharmacy and medical claims for adults with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease, the patients on Jardiance demonstrated a reduction in medical costs of over 30%. Factoring in both medical and pharmacy costs, the overall total cost of care reduction was more than 20% for patients on Jardiance.
“The results of our outcomes-based agreement with Highmark demonstrated that Jardiance can help reduce the economic burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, underscoring its value to the healthcare system,” said Christine Marsh, senior vice president, Market Access, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “We are proud of our unique partnership with Highmark and our efforts show how pharmaceutical companies and payors can work together to ensure people living with these chronic, debilitating conditions get the best, guideline-directed care while lowering total medical costs.”
“Highmark is committed to developing solutions that provide access to treatments that improve outcomes and reduce the total cost of care for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, which have a huge impact on our members and on our healthcare system,” said Kayse Reitmeyer, Manager of Pharmacy Contracting, Highmark. “The reduction in medical costs seen in this analysis may stem from fewer medical and hospital interventions related to diabetes and heart disease for Highmark members in the Jardiance group. We are pleased with the results of our outcomes-based agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, and we look forward to applying these insights to continue ensuring access to products that provide both clinical and cost savings benefits for our members.”
Over 34 million Americans are living with diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for 90 to 95% of all cases. Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and its complications. Type 2 diabetes and its complications impose a huge burden on the healthcare system. Annual medical expenses for people with diagnosed diabetes in 2017 was $237 billion representing a 26% increase over a five-year period, and costs for cardiovascular disease are projected to rise to more than $1 trillion by 2035.
About Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin. More than 463 million people worldwide have diabetes, of which 232 million are estimated to be undiagnosed. By 2045, the number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 700 million people worldwide. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Due to the complications associated with diabetes, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and obesity, cardiovascular disease is a major complication and the leading cause of death associated with diabetes. One in two people with type 2 diabetes worldwide die from a cardiovascular event.
What is JARDIANCE?
JARDIANCE is a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
JARDIANCE is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known cardiovascular disease.
JARDIANCE is not for people with type 1 diabetes or for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take JARDIANCE if you are allergic to empagliflozin or any of the ingredients in JARDIANCE.
Do not take JARDIANCE if you have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis.
JARDIANCE can cause serious side effects, including:
You may be at a higher risk of dehydration if you:
The most common side effects of JARDIANCE include urinary tract infections and yeast infections in females.
These are not all the possible side effects of JARDIANCE. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before taking JARDIANCE, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take water pills (diuretics) or medicines that can lower your blood sugar, such as insulin.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
About Highmark Inc.
One of America's leading health insurance organizations and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Highmark Inc. (the Health Plan) and its affiliated health plans (collectively, the Health Plans) work passionately to deliver high-quality, accessible, understandable, and affordable experiences, outcomes, and solutions to customers. As the fourth-largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization, Highmark Inc. and its Blue-branded affiliates proudly cover the insurance needs of more than 5.6 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Its diversified businesses serve group customer and individual needs across the United States through dental insurance and other related businesses. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.
As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of around $21.3 billion (19 billion euros). Our significant investment of over $3.9 billion (3.5 billion euros) in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.
We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation and is part of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies. In addition, there are Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health in Duluth, GA and Boehringer Ingelheim Fremont, Inc. in Fremont, CA.
Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and strengthening our communities. Please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/csr to learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
For more information, please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.us, or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.
For more information, contact:
Leilyn Perri
Highmark Health
717-215-7835
Leilyn.perri@highmarkhealth.org
Sheryl van der Hilst
Senior Associate Director, Public Relations
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
914-772-7973
sheryl.van_der_hilst@boehringer-ingelheim.com