Eli Lilly’s BAQSIMI nasal powder set to treat severe hypoglycemia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BAQSIMI™ (glucagon) nasal powder 3 mg for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes ages four years and above, Eli Lilly and Company  has announced recently. BAQSIMI is the first and only nasally administered glucagon, and it was designed with severe hypoglycemia rescue in mind. It is compact, portable and ready to use (no reconstitution required) in a single, fixed, 3 mg dose. 

BAQSIMI is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, and known hypersensitivity to glucagon or to any of the excipients in BAQSIMI. Allergic reactions have been reported with glucagon and include anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension. 

People can sign up for direct updates on BAQSIMI availability, patient and caregiver resources, and affordability options at BAQSIMI.com. BAQSIMI is expected to be stocked in retail pharmacies within one month.

Acquired by Lilly from Locemia Solutions in 2015, BAQSIMI is a new formulation of rescue glucagon that builds upon Lilly's diabetes heritage. Dr. Claude Piche, CEO and co-founder of Locemia Solutions, credits co-founder Robert Oringeras the original inspiration behind BAQSIMI.

Lilly is in discussions with insurance providers to make BAQSIMI available to as many people as possible. Eligible commercially insured people with diabetes can pay as little as $25 for up to two BAQSIMI devices (1 two-pack or 2 one-packs) if they use the savings card.* This prescription is generally filled on an annual basis.  Lilly may also be able to help people who don't have commercial insurance coverage with options found through the Lilly Diabetes Solutions Center when BAQSIMI is available in U.S. pharmacies. The U.S. list price for a BAQSIMI one-pack is $280.80 and for a two-pack is $561.60.

"We understand the financial impact that managing diabetes has on families. Lilly is committed to helping make BAQSIMI affordable and accessible to as many people living with diabetes as possible by securing access with payers as well as through our affordability offerings," said Tony Ezell, Vice President, U.S. Connected Care and Insulins, Lilly.