California to launch state-made insulin in 2026 at $11 per pen

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that the first state-made insulin would be available at the start of 2026.California’s CalRx® Insulin Glargine in 3mL pen form will be $55 per five-pack. That’s $11 per injection pen.Through an agreement secured by Civica Rx, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturer, with Biocon Biologics, Californians will have access to an interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine pen offered under the CalRx brand and pricing.”California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing — we took matters into our own hands. By beginning the process to manufacture our own insulin and pricing it at a maximum cost of $11 a pen in a five-pack, California and Civica are showing the nation what it looks like to put people over profits. No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive — and I won’t stop until health care costs are crushed for everyone,” said Newsom.Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog used in the management of diabetes. The CalRx insulin glargine pens are interchangeable with Lantus and will be available at California pharmacies for $45.The launch of CalRx-branded insulin is part of a broader strategy of the governor’s first executive order in 2019 to lower prescription drug costs.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that the first state-made insulin would be available at the start of 2026.

California’s CalRx® Insulin Glargine in 3mL pen form will be $55 per five-pack. That’s $11 per injection pen.

Through an agreement secured by Civica Rx, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturer, with Biocon Biologics, Californians will have access to an interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine pen offered under the CalRx brand and pricing.

“California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing — we took matters into our own hands. By beginning the process to manufacture our own insulin and pricing it at a maximum cost of $11 a pen in a five-pack, California and Civica are showing the nation what it looks like to put people over profits. No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive — and I won’t stop until health care costs are crushed for everyone,” said Newsom.

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog used in the management of diabetes.

The CalRx insulin glargine pens are interchangeable with Lantus and will be available at California pharmacies for $45.

The launch of CalRx-branded insulin is part of a broader strategy of the governor’s first executive order in 2019 to lower prescription drug costs.