California Governor Announces Private Label Insulin

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that California will begin selling its own brand of insulin starting Jan. 1, 2026, thanks to an agreement secured by Civica Rx, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturer, with Biocon Biologics. The CalRx insulin glargine pen, which is interchangeable with Lantus, is expected to 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. According to the data compiled by the governor’s office, an equivalent five-pack sells to pharmacies for $88; however, most consumers with health insurance are paying less than the CalRx suggested price.

In 2019, the governor launched an initiative to be the first state to manufacture insulin. The state awarded a 10-year, $50 million contract to Civica Rx, but the company has been slow to produce the cheaper interchangeable biosimilar insulin. The state’s initial goal of $30 per vial by 2024 was not met. The new agreement with Biocon Biologics complement’s Civica Rx’s broader insulin development strategy. Civica Rx continues its efforts to independently produce interchangeable biosimilar versions of insulin glargine and rapid-acting insulin under the CalRx label.