Low-cost insulin will soon be available in California for just $11 (£8.50) a pen thanks to a partnership between the state and the nonprofit pharma company Civica.
From January 1, 2026, insulin will be available at a recommended price of $11 per pen, making it more affordable for people living with diabetes to manage their condition.
Sold under the brand name CalRx, the insulin will work as a generic version of glargine – a long-acting insulin injected once daily and provides a basal insulin level throughout the day to help manage blood sugar levels.
Governor Gavin Newsom said: “You don’t need a new prescription. It’s access on the basis of affordability.”
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A five-pack of CalRx will cost $55 – approximately $33 cheaper than a five-pack of Eli Lilly’s Rezvoglar which is sold at $88, the governor’s office has revealed.
In 2023, California signed a 10-year agreement with Civica and Biocon Biologics. This agreement will see $50 million used for the insulin’s development and another $50 million toward a future manufacturing facility.
Each year, this new insulin pen could save people with diabetes between $2,000 and $4,000, experts have said.
In addition, they have revealed that this could help California save money, with the state currently buying insulin for millions of residents on public health plans.
The American Diabetes Association has identified that roughly 38 million people in America are living with diabetes.
People with diabetes can face financial pressures due to the cost of insulin, particularly those with no insurance.
Chris Noble, Organising Director of Health Access California, said: “California consumers need relief now, so health advocates are relieved to see CalRx moving quickly to lower insulin costs for the people of California while continuing to pursue other needed prescription drug cost solutions.”
According to analysts, California’s entry into the insulin market could prompt other manufacturers to scale back availability.
