I specifically remember the $1,200/ year/ patient average being thrown about. The other consideration which has been poo-pooed by Al is whether or not insurance will cover the expense. He also mentioned Afrezza would be priced within about 5% of existing therapies but failed to be explicit about which treatment he was comparing to.

One of my major questions about the potential of gauging Afrezza worldwide is how it might compare to therapies in the main population centers around the world. With India and China accounting for much of the diabetes patient growth, are we fooling ourselves to think we might be able to be competitive in those markets? If Afrezza ends up being 2-3 times more expensive in those countries despite the fact it is superior, are they good prospects?

I hate to be the wet blanket on Afrezza potential but perhaps this is why Al has remained steadfast in saying the product will launch in the US first. I do not have any feel for how viable this product is outside the country. If it launches with both type 1 and type 2 approval and the phase 4 studies show superiority and the ability to prescribe to 4 year olds, the rest of the world will fall into line.