California to offer affordable insulin at $11 per pen starting 2026

SACRAMENTO — California will soon become the first state to offer its own affordable insulin, with Gov. Gavin Newsom announcing that CalRx biosimilar insulin glargine pens will be available to consumers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Through a partnership with Civica Rx and Biocon Biologics, the Governor’s Office said Californians will have access to an interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine pen under the CalRx brand. The pens will be priced at a maximum of $11 each in a five-pack, significantly reducing costs for consumers.

“California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing — we took matters into our own hands,” Newsom said. “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.”

The CalRx insulin glargine pens are interchangeable with Lantus, ensuring seamless substitution for patients. They will be available to California pharmacies for $45 and to consumers at a suggested retail price of no more than $55 per five-pack of 3 mL pens. This marks a substantial reduction from current market prices.

“We are grateful for the support of the state of California for our effort to bring affordable insulin to all Americans,” said Ned McCoy, President and CEO of Civica. “The state shares our vision to ensure a sustainable, quality supply of affordable, essential medicines for people who need them.”

The agreement with Biocon Biologics complements Civica Rx’s broader insulin development strategy, which includes producing interchangeable biosimilar versions of insulin glargine and rapid-acting insulin under the CalRx label. Elizabeth Landsberg, Director of the Department of Health Care Access and Information, emphasized the state’s commitment to transparent pricing and equitable medication access.

“Today’s action marks a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to reduce prescription drug costs,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson. “Lowering the cost of insulin moves us closer to a California where no one is forced to choose between their health and their financial stability.”

Chris Noble, Health Access California’s Organizing Director, noted the relief the initiative will bring to Californians amid rising inflation and health care system challenges. Allison Hardt, T1 International’s Community Development Director, praised California’s leadership in addressing the insulin market.

“In a moment where inflation is spiking every day prices for Californians and our health care system is under attack in the form of Medicaid cuts from H.R. 1, a lower cost insulin will bring much-needed relief both to California pocketbooks and our state budget,” Noble said. “California consumers need relief now, so as a person dependent on insulin to live and a health care advocate, I’m 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.”

“California’s continued leadership in tackling insulin’s broken market is a promising step forward,” said Allison Hardt, T1 International’s Community Development Director and member of the CalRx Advisory Council. “We celebrate progress that puts patients first and secures insulin at a stable, transparent price while encouraging bold next steps toward true public manufacturing—for people, not for profit.”

Governor Newsom recently signed significant legislation advancing health care affordability by lowering the cost of prescription drugs, including:

SB 40, capping consumer cost-sharing for insulin at $35 for a month-long supply.SB 41, reducing prescription drug prices by regulating the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which negotiate prices between drug manufacturers, health care insurance providers, and pharmacies.

Since his first executive order in 2019, Governor Newsom has prioritized making health care more affordable to ensure that families do not have to pick between purchasing medications or having food on the table.

For more information on CalRx insulin, visit CalRx Biosimilar Insulin Initiative.