Sanofi's Lantus SoloStar Insulin Pen Faces Intermittent Supply Disruptions Across the U.S. Amid Rising Demand
Key Insights
Sanofi has confirmed intermittent supply issues for Lantus SoloStar insulin glargine pens in the U.S., driven by increased demand and broader market dynamics.
The supply disruption is limited to the SoloStar pen formulation; Lantus U-100 vials and Toujeo U-300 (search) remain available as alternatives.
Patients in North Carolina and elsewhere report difficulty refilling prescriptions, with CVS acknowledging supply challenges over the past several months.
Sanofi has confirmed that its widely prescribed Lantus SoloStar insulin pen is experiencing intermittent supply disruptions across the United States, leaving some patients with diabetes (search) scrambling to locate their medication at pharmacies.
The Lantus SoloStar pen, a prefilled device delivering insulin glargine — a long-acting insulin used to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes (search) — has been running low for several weeks. "Sanofi is experiencing a period of intermittent supply in the U.S. for Lantus (insulin glargine injection) SoloStar® pens due to increased demand," a Sanofi spokesperson said in a statement. The company attributed the demand surge to "broader market dynamics," though it did not elaborate further.
Multiple patients in North Carolina told WRAL they were unable to refill their usual Lantus SoloStar prescriptions at local pharmacies. CVS also acknowledged the situation, stating it has been experiencing "intermittent supply challenges with Lantus over the last several months." The pharmacy chain noted that when manufacturer supply interruptions occur, its teams work with patients and prescribers to identify potential alternatives.
Scope of the Disruption
Sanofi emphasized that the supply issue is limited exclusively to the Lantus SoloStar pen formulation. The company confirmed that Lantus U-100 vials and Toujeo U-300 (search), which contain the same active ingredient, remain available. The Lantus SoloStar pen is also commonly prescribed by veterinarians for diabetic pets, broadening the impact of the disruption.
Notably, Lantus is not currently listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Drug Shortages Database. The issue is not technically considered a shortage by the FDA, though patients are nonetheless encountering difficulties obtaining the medication, sometimes having to call multiple pharmacy locations to find a pen.
Company Response and Timeline
Sanofi stated it has implemented a comprehensive plan to address the supply and demand challenges. This includes accelerating production and expediting all incoming replenishment stock. The company is also working with partners to "carefully manage the allocation of existing SoloStar pen inventory."
However, the company offered no firm resolution date. "We cannot provide a definitive timeline for a full return to normal supply levels," a Sanofi spokesperson said, while characterizing the situation as temporary and expected to improve over the coming weeks.
"Our priority is ensuring patients have access to their medications," the spokesperson told STAT.
Clinical Guidance for Affected Patients
Dr. Susan Spratt, an endocrinologist with Duke Health, urged patients who cannot refill their Lantus SoloStar prescriptions to contact their healthcare provider promptly. She cautioned that patients should not go without their insulin, as doing so can be dangerous.
Instead, patients should discuss with their provider whether a generic insulin glargine product or another appropriate alternative is suitable. Dr. Spratt also recommended that patients check with their insurance company regarding coverage differences or available savings programs when considering alternative formulations.