Lower-cost insulin on the way in 2026

For millions of Americans living with diabetes, insulin is a life-saving medication. Yet high costs have forced many to skip doses or go without—to the detriment of patient health. That’s about to change with Civica’s (Civica Rx) affordable insulin pens, launching in January 2026.

Lowest list price in the market

Civica’s insulin glargine will be offered to pharmacies at a wholesale acquisition cost of $45 for five pens, with a consumer-facing price capped at $55 per box—the lowest list price in the current long-acting insulin market. The insulin pens will be produced for Civica, the nonprofit pharmaceutical manufacturer behind Civica Foundation. Patients typically pay between $150–$500 for a box of long-acting insulin pens from major brands, depending on the brand and pharmacy.

Unlike traditional pricing models, Civica’s transparent approach avoids hidden rebates and markups that often inflate costs for consumers.

Designed to provide a reliable, low-cost insulin option that supports better health outcomes, this milestone reflects the strength of Civica’s collaboration with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and several Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies. Together, we’re driving innovation in more affordable prescription drug pricing and expanding access to essential treatments.

"Our partnership with Civica is already making a real impact on people's lives by helping them access lower cost medications," said David Yoder, SVP of BCBSA and a member of the board of Civica Rx. "We set out to create a 'disruptive collaboration' model and today's announcement is proof that we're continuing to deliver on that promise and reshape the prescription drug landscape." 

Building on CivicaScript’s momentum and what’s in store for 2026

The insulin launch builds on the progress of CivicaScript, the retail pharmacy-focused arm of Civica Rx that partners with BCBS companies to distribute affordable generics directly to consumers.

• Patients saved nearly $1,000 per year on abiraterone acetate for prostate cancer, 64% less than other generics, according to study results published in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst.
• Five generic medications launched, including abiraterone, dalfampridine, droxidopa, dimethyl fumarate and capecitabine to treat conditions and diseases such as prostate cancer and multiple sclerosis.
• New insulin options underway, with biosimilars—glargine, lispro and aspart—expected to match brands like Lantus, Humalog and Novolog.
• More launches anticipated in 2026, expanding access to affordable treatments for chronic conditions.

Civica continues to expand its portfolio of affordable generics and biosimilars, reshaping the prescription drug landscape and improving access for millions of Americans.

"Through the partnership we formed with Civica more than six years ago, BCBSA and BCBS Plans are making an impact on the prescription drug affordability crisis, providing lifesaving medications, now to include insulin, at a price people can afford," said BCBSA President and CEO Kim Keck.

"Further, CivicaScript's Maximum Retail Price policy introduced an unparalleled degree of transparency, with QR codes that anyone can scan on every product label. For health care providers, caregivers and patients, the ability to immediately compare drug prices is a game changer."

Partnering with Civica helps BCBSA advance our roadmap to reduce costs by nearly $1 trillion over the next decade. The solutions target the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs and support reforms that improve access to safe, affordable generic and biosimilar alternatives. Banning pharmaceutical companies’ profit-driven pricing schemes could save patients, families and taxpayers $324 billion over 10 years.