A cold morning embraced the city this Thursday. Crazy and disturbing dreams did not cease throughout the night. Up by 9:15 AM, the warm shower incited a voracious appetite. As his busy jaws devoured an egg sandwich, an article in the local news section of the New York Daily News caught his eye:
A Generic version of Glurelix “Betoforin” to be unveiled at City Hall Press Conference
By Samantha Gold
NEW YORK CITY — Dr. Adrienne Kline, director of Diabetes Research at Meridian Pharmaceuticals, will take to the steps of City Hall this Friday afternoon, December 19th, at 2 p.m. to unveil Betoforin, the newly approved generic version of Glurelix. Local diabetics, healthcare workers, and journalists are invited to attend what organizers are billing as a “community trust event.”
“Affordable medication shouldn’t be a dream—it should be reality,” Kline said in a statement ahead of the event. “Betoforin has met every clinical benchmark, and I want every New Yorker and everyone nationwide with diabetes to feel confident in making the switch.”
Kline will outline the FDA’s approval timeline—granted five weeks ago—and detail how major pharmacy chains across the five boroughs will begin stocking Betoforin the following Monday. The national rollout should commence within two months. Representatives from SyndoMere Labs’s Newark facility, which has doubled production capacity to meet expected demand, will join her on the podium.
Also expected at the press conference is Long Island resident Jorge Ramirez, who will share his personal struggles with skyrocketing insulin costs. “My out-of-pocket expenses doubled this year,” Ramirez said. “Hearing Dr. Kline explain that a rigorously tested, affordable option is on the way gives me real hope.”
At the close of the event, Kline will distribute free-sample coupons and invite attendees to a pop-up screening and Q&A session next Thursday in Bryant Park. “This isn’t just about launching a drug,” she noted. “It’s about building trust, one patient at a time.”
Hum, this Adrienne Kline may have been involved in the early development of Glurelix…She does seem old enough. Thought Mike. Reporters and journalists usually follow the money, but in this case, following the people might lead him to deeper answers.
Jumping on the web, Mike searched for Jorge Ramirez and soon found out that he was a member of a local diabetic support meetup in Washington Square Park. So, he dusted off his ‘Daily Beast’ press badge, where Mike’s freelance work found some acceptance. Since the meetup location required him to take a bus and two trains, he decided to call in a favor from Marsha.
“Hey Mike, what’s up? Everything alright?”
“Marsha, I’m doing ok, but I need a favor, and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” Said Mike in a half-begging tone.
“Sure, Mikey, as long as it’s not money. What you got?”
“I need a ride to Washington Square Park.”
“Sure, okay. When?
“Today…In one hour,” Whispered Mike apologetically.
“What?! You think I’m a taxi service?
“Look, it’s for today. I’ll pay for dinner. How’s that?
There was a long silence…
“Okay, but only because I don’t feel like cooking tonight. I’ll be there by four. Is that good?
“Oh yes, Marsha! I love you, baby!”
“Sure, I’ve heard that before…See you in a bit.”
“Great, I’ll be out front.”
An hour later, Marsha showed up in her black 1998 Volkswagen Golf 2-door hatchback. Sitting so close to each other felt awkward after so many months of separation.
“Marsha, I truly appreciate this.”
“I know…Tell me again where we are going and what is happening there that is so important to you?”
“Oh, yeah, Washington Square Park. There is a meeting for diabetics.”
“Now, that is a good thing for you, Mike. Do you remember that bench where you proposed to live together?”
“Yes, I remember. I gave you the most expensive box of German chocolates that I could buy. But I’m going there for a piece I’m working on about Glurelix.”
“Wait a minute…I’m taking you to a ‘possible’ news assignment? You’re so lucky I don’t want to cook tonight!”
“I like it when you look at me that way!’
“Don’t get any ideas, I still remember all those bills I ended up paying for you…”
“Woman! Those bills were not all mine! Please, let’s keep today on the positive, can we?”
“Alright, let’s cool it then…”
After parking, Mike and Marsha spotted a small group perching under a large tree. Mike immediately recognized who was in charge because he was holding a clipboard as he checked-off names from a list. Quickly reading the name on the nametag, Mike approached and said, “Hi, George! My name is Mike Carter. I’m a community journalist interested in local medical issues. I read about the meetings and I’d like to listen and learn more about what you’re doing here.”
“Great to meet you, Mr. Carter. And who is this lovely lady?” George’s face lightened up.
“Oh, yes, sorry. This is my friend Marsha. She assists me from time to time.” Marsha smirked a nod to Mike.
“Very nice to meet you, Marsha. I’m sorry we do not bring chairs to outdoor meetings, but I do have an extra blanket for you.”
“Oh, nice to meet you sir.”
“Please, call me George.” The blanket was shared between Mike and Marsha as they sat on the ground.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, are we ready to start?” George waited until all were sitting and carried out the meeting. Scanning the group, Mike quickly recognized Jorge Ramirez. Sitting in the back, his eyes darted all around the park, as if insecure in his surroundings.
Mike, sensing that something seemed amiss, also kept himself aware of his surroundings. About halfway through the meeting, two men, dressed in all black and wearing very dark sunglasses, caught Mike’s attention. Just leaning against a black SUV, the men's gaze was aimed directly at the group. Momentarily, Jorge became very tense. His eyes kept rolling towards the men. Meanwhile, Marsha seemed fascinated by stories and information floating around during the meeting.
Wasting no time, as soon as the meeting ended, Mike went over to Jorge and introduced himself. “Hi, Jorge. I’m Mike Carter with the Daily Beast. Do you have a minute?”
“Ah, well…I’m kind of heading back now.” He quickly wrote something on a small piece of paper and started walking quickly away from the meeting and in the opposite direction of the men dressed in black.
“Look, I don’t mean to disturb you…I’m just writing an article about diabetic medications and…” Jorge interrupted Mike. “Sir, I don’t have more to say about it.”
“Jorge, I’m specifically interested in the possible damages caused by Glurelix.”
Jorge stopped abruptly and, looking at Mike in the eyes, said, “I don’t want to talk about this here, maybe another time, ok?” Looking down at Mike’s hand, he quickly handed him a crumpled piece of paper and jolted away.
Following his instincts, Mike quickly pocketed the paper. As he headed back to the adjourned meeting he noticed the black men were gone.
“Oh, Mike. George was telling me how many people with diabetes he has helped. Is everything ok? Was that man running away from you?’
“No, probably someone else. Marsha, would you mind waiting for me in the car? I’d like to talk to George for a couple of minutes.” Marsha’s puzzled look spoke volumes to Mike.
“Okay, but don’t be long, I’m getting hungry!” She looked back a few times as she went back to her car.
George turned to Mike and said, “Mr. Carter, I know why you’re here. I’ll help you with your inquiries, but you must know that I cannot divulge personal information about the group members.”
Yes, I understand. Can you tell me at least how long Jorge Ramirez has been coming to the meetings?”
“All I can tell you is that it’s been a couple of years.”
“Okay, have you noticed any changes in his participation or demeanor lately?”
“He seems to be more under pressure, but I asked him about it, he said there were some personal issues. Now, he did add that he hoped to take care of them very soon.”
“I see…Anything else you’ve noticed about him?”
“He has been coming late to the meetings lately…Today was an exception. Why are you so interested in Jorge? Your friend told me that you are diabetic.”
“Yes, I am. But I’m here as a reporter for The Daily Beast. I’m working on an article about diabetes in the community and more specifically on the possible adverse effects of the drug Glurelix.
“Okay. But what’s your angle with Jorge?” George’s eyes were wide open now.
He was quoted in a recent news article about the new generic version of Glurelix called Betoforin. He said he was happy because he could no longer afford insulin.”
“Well, let me tell you, Mr. Carter, I’ve heard many stories from group members who have been on Glurelix for many years, and it seems to me that although it has helped them with their diabetes…Well, suffice to say that many of them have developed other issues.”
“Hey, I appreciate your candor, George.”
“No problem. Anything for a fellow black man.”
“George, I know I’m pushing it, but…Would you know if Jorge was really using only insulin to treat his diabetes?”
“Many of the members here have been using Glurelix more so than insulin.” George leaned closer to Mike and said, “I did not tell you this…Jorge has said that he hates injections and that he has only used Glurelix.”
“Oh…Many thanks for that, George!” Listen, would you mind if we talked some more later? I’ve got a hungry friend waiting for me.”
“Sure, here is my card. But remember, I will not discuss these things through the phone, but we can meet sometime.”
“You’re my man, George!” Said Mike as he jogged back to Marsha’s car.
“What was THAT all about?” Her eyes narrowed, her lips curled in a snarl.
Seeing this familiar expression, Mike proceeded with extreme caution…
“I’m sorry, Marsha. I just wanted George to open up to me, and I thought that if he talked only to me, he would.”
“Alright, just don’t do it that way again. It really pissed me off!” Her expression softened. “Now, let’s get dinner, I’m starving!”
A short walk to ‘Panineria NYC’ solved the hunger problem that evening.
Back at home, Mike had almost forgotten all about the paper he had stuck in his pocket. It read:
Meet me at St. Kilda Coffee tomorrow at 5*.*
Hmm, that should be interesting…Maybe I’ll bring my Philips 9350. Thought Mike.
That Thursday evening, Mike paced the floor, thinking about tomorrow’s press announcement. A myriad of thoughts crossed his mind. I really miss Marsha’s angry face…There’s just something about it that gets to me; hmm, maybe I still love her. But tomorrow, tomorrow I have to be very careful; we’ll see.