Key Takeaways<\/p>\n
California\u2019s CalRx insulin pens will launch Jan. 1 at $11 each, or $55 for a five-pack<\/p>\n
The state has invested $100 million to lower insulin costs<\/p>\n
The effort could save patients $2,000 to $4,000 a year<\/p>\n
MONDAY, Oct. 20, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 California will start selling low-cost insulin Jan. 1, nearly three years after Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> announced a plan to make lifesaving medications more affordable for folks with diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n The state\u2019s insulin \u2014 sold under the brand name CalRx<\/a> \u2014 will be available at a recommended price of $11 per pen, or $55 for a five-pack.<\/p>\n The move is part of a partnership between the state and the nonprofit Civica<\/a>, which manufactures the drug.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need a new prescription,\u201d Newsom said at a news conference. \u201cIt\u2019s access on the basis of affordability.\u201d<\/p>\n The new CalRx insulin will work as a generic version of glargine<\/a>, a once-daily injectable that helps control blood sugar.\u00a0<\/p>\n A comparable five-pack of Eli Lilly\u2019s Rezvoglar<\/a> sells to pharmacies for about $88, according to the governor\u2019s office, although patient costs vary depending on insurance coverage.<\/p>\n California entered a 10-year agreement with Civica and India-based Biocon Biologics<\/a> in 2023, investing $50 million in the insulin\u2019s development and another $50 million toward a future manufacturing facility, NBC News reported.<\/p>\n Officials say the program could save patients between $2,000 and $4,000 per year. It could also yield additional savings for the state of California, which buys insulin for millions of residents on public health plans.<\/p>\n About 38 million Americans live with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Insulin costs have been a major financial strain, especially for folks without insurance.<\/p>\n \u201cCalifornia 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,\u201d Chris Noble<\/a>, organizing director of Health Access California, a statewide advocacy group, told NBC News.<\/p>\n Newsom\u2019s CalRx initiative is part of a broader plan to produce and sell state-branded generics at lower prices.\u00a0<\/p>\n Earlier this year, the state also announced plans to sell naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, under the same program.<\/p>\n Civica plans to distribute its low-cost insulin nationwide to pharmacies as well.<\/p>\n State analysts, however, have warned that California\u2019s entry into the insulin market could prompt other manufacturers to scale back availability, an unintended consequence that officials are monitoring.<\/p>\n More information<\/p>\n