STAT+: Newsom promotes affordable insulin, but California’s generic label is off to a slow start

California launched state-branded insulin this year, but it’s been slow to reach patients California Gov. Gavin NewsomHeather Diehl/Getty Images STAT is co-publishing this article by KFF Health News. SAN FRANCISCO — At a Walgreens in this city’s bustling Japantown neighborhood, pharmacist Margaret On stocks two boxes of long-acting insulin pens from California’s new prescription drug label, CalRx, emblazoned with the state’s iconic grizzly bear. Although she hasn’t dispensed any, On plans to keep them on hand. “It’s good to have if a patient comes in and doesn’t have health insurance,” she said. “Or just in case of emergencies.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Angela Hart — KFF Health News Angela Hart is a senior correspondent at KFF Health News. She covers health care politics and policy in California and the West, with a focus on California Gov. Gavin Newsom, government accountability, and political influence.