California has become the first and only state to make its own affordable insulin, with the medication expected to be available for purchase starting Jan. 1., Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in Los Angeles Thursday.

Through a state-backed deal with Civica Rx, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturer, and Biocon Biologics, California residents will have access to an interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine pen offered under the CalRx brand and pricing, the governor said. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog used in the management of diabetes.

The pens will be available to California pharmacies for $45 and to consumers at a suggested retail price of no more than $55 per five-pack of 3ml pens — a substantial reduction from current retail prices, according to the governor’s office.

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