Gov. Newsom unveils $11 state insulin for Californians: We took matters into our own hands'

"By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters Starting next year, Californians with diabetes will be able to purchase state-branded insulin at steeply reduced prices, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today. Long-acting insulin pens will be available at pharmacies for $11 per pen or $55 for a five-pack beginning Jan. 1. The pens are interchangeable with glargine, the generic alternative for Lantus, a once-a-day injection that regulates blood sugar."

"An equivalent amount of Lantus sells to pharmacies for more than $92, according to data compiled by the governor's office, but consumers may pay a different price based on their insurance. California didn't wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing we took matters into our own hands, Newsom said in a statement released at 3 a.m. Pacific time. No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive."

"The sale of insulin is part of the state's CalRx initiative aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for Californians. Today's announcement comes three years after Newsom announced the state would tackle the cost of insulin. The first vials of insulin will be for sale two years after the governor's promised delivery date of 2024. Newsom originally pledged that the state would spend $50 million to contract with Civica Rx, a nonprofit drug manufacturer headquartered in Utah."

California will sell state-branded long-acting insulin pens at pharmacies for $11 per pen or $55 for a five-pack beginning Jan. 1 next year. The pens are interchangeable with glargine, the generic alternative for Lantus, while an equivalent amount of Lantus sells to pharmacies for more than $92; consumer prices may vary by insurance. Roughly 3.5 million Californians have diabetes. The sale is part of the state's CalRx initiative to lower prescription drug prices; the state pledged $50 million to contract with Civica Rx and earmarked another $50 million for a manufacturing plant but has provided no updates on the plant. The first vials will be for sale two years after the governor's promised 2024 delivery date, reflecting delays.

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