Eli Lilly partners with generics maker Eva to boost insulin access in Africa

So a day after informing investors of the lucrative prospects of tirzepatide and retatrutide, Lilly revealed an arrangement that will help supply poorer nations with products to combat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

In a licensing agreement with generics drugmaker Eva Pharma of Egypt, Lilly will deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients at a reduced cost for its human and analogue insulin. Lilly also will provide a “pro-bono transfer” of the technology needed to formulate, fill and finish vials and cartridges.

Under the partnership, the distribution of insulin to middle- and low-income countries—most of them in Africa—is expected to begin in 18 months. The goal is to be able to supply insulin to 1 million diabetes patients annually by 2030.