[act-ma] Demonstration at Sanofi Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge November 16 to demand reductions in insulin prices to save lives

[Mardge Cohen]

Mothers to deliver ashes of children who died rationing insulin to
Cambridge drug corporation

Civil disobedience, die-in planned by drug price activists

BOSTON – The mothers of two young adults with diabetes who died while
rationing insulin last year will attempt to deliver the ashes of their
children to Cambridge pharma corporation Sanofi. The mothers will be joined
by activists from at least five local groups that are demanding a reduction
in insulin prices so that no more people die.

WHEN: Friday, November 16 at Noon

WHERE: Sanofi Pharmaceuticals at 270 Albany Street in Cambridge

WHY: Sanofi is one of the Big Three manufacturers of insulin that are
charging as much as a 5,000 percent markup on their products. Three people
with diabetes died while rationing last year, including the children of the
two mothers, Antroinette Worsham and Nicole Smith-Holt, who will be leading
the protest.

WHAT: Protest and civil disobedience against the high price of insulin.
Marching, chants, die-in, speakers, sign-holding, and civil disobedience.

            We demand an immediate 90% reduction in the price of Sanofi’s
Lantus to $30, which would still leave Sanofi with a 500% markup over their
estimated production costs. And we demand that the Governor, the
legislature and all health plans in Massachusetts ensure that insulin and
other essential medications are made free to all patients who need them.



WHO: Patients, nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, students, and the
public are coming together to protest outrageous insulin prices. Sponsoring
organizations include the RCA (Right Care Alliance,) the DSA, (Democratic
Socialists of America) PNHP (Physicians for a National Health program),
SNAHP (Students for National Health Program), Harvard Medical School Racial
Justice Coalition, and others.
-- 
Mardge Cohen MD
PI, Women Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
Medical Director, Women's Equity in Access to Care and Treatment (WE-ACTx)
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
312 925-5660