On Thursday, CA Governor Gavin Newsom announced Californians will be able to buy low-cost, state-branded insulin next year. TCalifornians will be able to buy low-cost, state-branded insulin next year.
The CalRX – California’s program to develop and sell its own prescription medications – pens will be available to purchase for Californians starting Jan. 1, 2026.
“90% of insulin in this country is in the hands of just 3 big companies. This announcement is about disrupting this space in the absence of federal leadership. I’m proud of California, our state leading in this area.” — @governor.ca.gov on today’s $11 insulin announcement
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@govpressoffice.gov.ca.gov) October 16, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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“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 Thursday.
“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,” Newsom stated.