Major Insulin Manufacturers Agree to $35 Monthly Price Caps in State Settlements
Key Insights
Sanofi and Novo Nordisk have reached settlements with Maine and Minnesota attorneys general to cap insulin prices at $35 per month through 2029.
The agreements cover major insulin products including Lantus, Admelog, Novolog, and Tresiba, available to all consumers regardless of insurance status.
Minnesota's settlement with Novo Nordisk will reduce insulin costs by over 90% for many patients, following similar agreements with Eli Lilly and Sanofi.
Two major insulin manufacturers have agreed to cap monthly insulin prices at $35 for consumers in Maine and Minnesota, following state attorney general settlements that address allegations of deceptive pricing practices for the life-sustaining diabetes (search) medication.
Sanofi Settlement Covers Multiple Insulin Products
Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey announced a settlement with Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC that will allow Maine residents to purchase monthly supplies of Sanofi insulin products for $35 cash through 2029. The agreement covers Admelog, Lantus, Toujeo, Apidra, and any biosimilar versions of these products that Sanofi markets in the United States.
"Insulin is life-sustaining medication and far too many Mainers struggle to afford it," said Frey. "My office will continue to closely monitor drug pricing and take action to protect consumers to ensure access to these essential medications."
The pricing will be available to all consumers, whether or not they have health insurance, providing a significant cost reduction for those who previously faced high out-of-pocket expenses.
Novo Nordisk Agrees to Five-Year Price Cap
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a similar settlement with Denmark-based Novo Nordisk, guaranteeing that all Minnesotans can purchase the company's insulin products for $35 per month for the next five years, regardless of insurance status.
The settlement resolves Ellison's 2018 lawsuit alleging that Novo Nordisk deceptively priced its insulin by requiring uninsured and underinsured patients to pay out-of-pocket costs based on high list prices while simultaneously negotiating lower prices through rebates to pharmacy benefit managers.
Comprehensive Coverage and Significant Savings
Under the Novo Nordisk settlement, covered insulin products include Novolog, Tresiba, Fiasp, and Novolin at any formulation and via any delivery method. The $35 monthly prescription covers three vials or two packs of pens for customers paying with cash. Minnesotans with insurance can choose to bypass their coverage and pay the $35 rate instead.
Ellison highlighted that this agreement will lower insulin costs by over 90% for many patients. The settlement also requires Novo Nordisk to implement a texting system to help pharmacists and patients determine eligibility for low-cost insulin and alert patients about the affordable alternative at pharmacy counters throughout the state.
Broader Pattern of Settlements
The Minnesota settlement with Novo Nordisk follows similar 2024 agreements that Ellison reached with Eli Lilly and Sanofi, the other two defendants in the original 2018 lawsuit. This pattern suggests a coordinated approach to addressing insulin pricing concerns across major manufacturers.
As part of the agreement, Novo Nordisk has committed to continuing its Patient Assistance Program, which provides free insulin to Minnesotans with annual household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level—equivalent to $124,800 for a family of four.
The Danish company denied wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement, which requires court approval and will remain in effect for five years.