Sanofi reports ‘intermittent supply’ of insulin pens

 Sanofi is experiencing “a period of intermittent supply” of its Lantus SoloStar insulin pens in the U.S. amid rising demand, the drugmaker confirmed to Becker’s July 24.

Lantus SoloStar is a prefilled pen that delivers insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes. A Sanofi spokesperson attributed the constraint to increased demand “driven by broader market dynamics.” The company said it does not disclose sales volumes or patient numbers, so the scope of the disruption is not clear.

Sanofi pushed back on characterizing the situation as a shortage, noting Lantus is not on the FDA’s drug shortage database. “This is a temporary situation that we anticipate will improve over the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said. “At this time, we cannot provide a definitive timeline for a full return to normal supply levels.”

The company said the supply issue is limited to the SoloStar pen. Lantus U-100 vials and Toujeo U-300, which contain the same active ingredient, remain available and can be used as alternatives, according to Sanofi.

The pens and the vials generally serve different settings. Lantus vials are used more often in settings like hospitals, while SoloStar pens are more commonly dispensed to patients through retail pharmacies, the spokesperson said. 

CVS has acknowledged “intermittent supply challenges with Lantus over the last several months,” the company told NBC affiliate WRAL, which is based in Raleigh, N.C. CVS said its pharmacists work with patients and prescribers to identify alternatives when manufacturer interruptions occur.

Sanofi said it is accelerating production, expediting incoming replenishment stock and working with partners to manage allocation of existing pen inventory. The company said it remains “committed to the long-term, reliable supply” of its insulin products and is investing across its global manufacturing network to strengthen capacity.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/sanofi-reports-intermittent-supply-of-insulin-pens/