Overview

• Starting Jan. 1, 2026, consumers can buy CalRx insulin glargine pens at a suggested $55 per five-pack, with pharmacies paying $45.
• The product, supplied through Civica Rx’s agreement with Biocon Biologics, is an interchangeable biosimilar to Lantus, allowing substitution without a new prescription.
• California is the first state to sell its own branded insulin as part of the CalRx effort to lower drug costs, following a new law capping insulin copays at $35 per month.
• Civica said it plans to distribute the low-cost insulin to pharmacies nationwide, expanding access beyond California.
• The state previously committed $100 million to the insulin effort, and analysts have warned that incumbent manufacturers could respond by reducing availability.