FDA approves high-capacity insulin glargine pen

The FDA approved a 900-unit insulin glargine pen, the highest capacity long-acting insulin pen on the market in the U.S., Sanofi announced in a press release.

The new insulin glargine (Toujeo) Max SoloStar pen provides up to 160 Units/mL of Toujeo in a single injection, possibly reducing the number of injections needed for some adults with diabetes. Due to its higher capacity, the pen may also allow for fewer refills and related copays, depending on the user's insurance coverage.

"This new high-capacity pen has a broader range of doses than the original SoloStar, delivering Toujeo, a long-acting insulin with established safety and efficacy," said Michelle Carnahan, North America Diabetes and Cardiovascular Head, Sanofi, said in the release. "By reducing the number of injections for people who need more long-acting insulin and lowering copay costs — both of which are important to patients — Toujeo Max SoloStar underscores Sanofi's continued commitment to help those living with diabetes."

The Max SoloStar pen will be available at the same price per insulin unit as the original SoloStar, according to Sanofi. Additionally, Sanofi will offer a savings program that includes both the SoloStar and Max SoloStar pens. Eligible commercially insured patients will have no copay for their first three prescription fills and a $10 copay for their next 12 refills.

Sanofi will also offer support to adults with diabetes prescribed either SoloStar or Max SoloStar through the free Toujeo COACH program. For more information about these programs, visit www.toujeo.com.