Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a law that would allow California to make and distribute a generic version of a popular class of weight-loss drugs through the state's CalRx program.
California established itsCalRx programthrough Senate Bill 852, the California Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act of 2020. The program gives the state authority to develop, produce or acquire lower-cost prescription drugs and make them available at transparent prices, with the goal of increasing competition and lowering drug costs.
CalRx's first major project was low-cost biosimilar insulin. CalRx insulin glargine is now available to Californians regardless of insurance status.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 1089, the Preventive Treatment Health Care Act, into law on
Sept. 28. The law authorizes California to pursue partnerships to increase competition, lower prices and address potential shortages for at least one FDA-approved GLP-1 medication used to treat obesity.
Here's what to know:
What are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity for treating obesity, overweight and certain metabolic conditions. Well-known brand-name drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Zepbound contains tirzepatide, which acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
SB 1089 does not require California to manufacture a generic version of a specific brand-name drug. Instead, it authorizes the state to enter into partnerships involving at least one FDA-approved GLP-1 anti-obesity medication, with the goal of increasing competition, lowering prices and addressing potential supply shortages.
Who could qualify for California's reduced-priced GLP-1s?
If California ultimately brings a low-cost CalRx version of a weight-loss drug to market, the program's current model suggests it would be available to Californians regardless of whether they have employer insurance, ACA marketplace coverage, Medicare, Medi-Cal, or no insurance.
Patients would still need a prescription and would be subject to the medical criteria that apply to the drug. The state has not yet released detailed eligibility rules for a future CalRx GLP-1 product.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California’s GLP-1 law could expand access to obesity treatment
