STAT+: Popular insulin product enters shortage as other pens leave market

STAT PlusHealth Popular insulin product enters shortage as other pens leave market Sanofi’s Lantus pen for diabetes care is facing supply issues amid larger shifts in the insulin market Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Isabella CuetoJuly 23, 2026 Chronic Disease Reporter Isabella Cueto[email protected]Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03. People with diabetes who use a popular long-acting insulin pen made by Sanofi have had to become pharmacy scouts in recent weeks as they encounter supply issues. The Lantus Solostar pen containing 3 milliliters of insulin glargine has been running low for several weeks because of increased demand “driven by broader market dynamics,” a Sanofi spokesperson told STAT. The issue is not technically considered a shortage by the Food and Drug Administration, but patients are nonetheless having trouble getting the medication, sometimes having to call multiple locations to find a pen. Advertisement “Our priority is ensuring patients have access to their medications,” the spokesperson said, noting the company is “accelerating production and expediting all incoming replenishment stock.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In chronic diseases, diabetes, Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Isabella Cueto Chronic Disease Reporter Isabella is a chronic disease reporter writing about how the Trump administration is tackling the nation’s health epidemic — or not. You can reach her on Signal at isabellacueto.03. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: European regulators take steps to bolster clinical trial transparency Breaking News July 23, 2026 Senate health panel delays vote on CDC nominee Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: What’s in the last-minute flurry of health care bills? The Readout July 23, 2026 FDA panel confronting peptide controversy The Readout LOUD July 23, 2026 A father’s mission to save his daughter, and allegations on telehealth GLP-1 prescribing Subscriber Picks