High out-of-pocket costs for DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues greatly limit prescribing in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina

Premium-priced DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes lack nationwide government coverage in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Government-sponsored diabetes programs and most Social Funds (Obras Sociales) do not provide any coverage/reimbursement to these agents in Argentina, according to a new report of health care advisory firm Decision Resources.

In Mexico, around half of the type 2 diabetes population lack coverage for these agents, and the remaining population has access only to one agent from each class through Social Security. In Brazil, public coverage from the Unified Health System's (Sistema Unico de Saude) programs for pharmaceutical assistance is non-existent and, as a result, surveyed clinicians report low patient shares in the public setting. Out-of-pocket costs feature prominently as the top factor limiting prescribing of these drugs, especially GLP-1 analogues, which can cost more than twice as much per day as DPP-IV inhibitors. Patient shares among private patients are higher for both drug classes.

Perception that current therapies are adequate is greatest obstacle to uptake of newer drugs