I've been over both HealthCanada & CDA sites and while I can find plenty of information about the availability of Hypurin pork insulins, found nothing about how/when the costs will be covered. It's understood that beef insulin is still Special Access, which would allow you to import directly from CP/Wockhardt UK. It's not clear if you could import pork insulin under Special Access and have the costs covered until the provincial plans do so or not.

CP/Wockhardt UK's Import Section on their website details what to do about importing beef insulin to Canada but no word about pork.

CP Wockhardt UK--Information on Importing Beef Insulin to Canada

The US Import Section is also the same--information regarding beef insulin only. Nothing about importing pork to the US, which is presently the ONLY way to get it here.

CP Wockhardt UK--Information on Importing Beef Insulin to the US

Know that the procedure is the same for importing pork to the US as it is for beef--USDA permit for pork is also necessary to do so.

When Lilly was still producing pork insulin, the US prices of it were quite high--shopping around for best prices went from US$48-$US75 for one vial. As you know, there are no price caps for any medications in the US--this is why it's Big Pharma's playground.

The last we heard, there were talks underway regarding the issues of the Hypurin pricing and coverage. Am going to give you a link for the Society for Diabetic Rights, as they are actively involved in this.

Society for Diabetic Rights

Please DO send them an e-mail--remember that every voice counts; your "sticker shock" story may wind up giving you and others a hand with the price issue.

Website