Affordable Insulin: Sanofi Caps Monthly Cost at $35 for All U.S. Patients

The top three manufacturers dominating the global insulin market — Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi — control over 96% of the market by volume and value worldwide. The ‘big three’ are the primary players in shaping the insulin market.

While other major insulin makers have pledged to make insulin more affordable, Sanofi is taking the lead with an expanded $35 monthly insulin cap launching in September 2025. The program will make all Sanofi insulins available to U.S. patients at a monthly cost of $35, regardless of their insurance status.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which took effect on January 1, 2023, capped insulin at $35 a month, but only for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Several major pharmaceutical companies received letters from President Trump demanding lower drug prices, and companies like Pfizer are rushing to make deals with the government.  Additionally, organizations like T1D International have called out insulin companies for promising to make cuts and then not following through.

T1D Strong spoke with a Sanofi spokesperson about the company’s landmark move to make insulin more affordable.

About Sanofi

The global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi has been a major player in diabetes treatment for several years and is now focused on developing innovative therapies, including the disease-modifying drug TZIELD (teplizumab), which delays the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D). 

Sanofi also supports the type 1 diabetes community through early screening initiatives, educational programs, and partnerships aimed at advancing the development of new drugs.

In September 2025, Sanofi expanded its $35-per-month insulin price cap program, which makes all its insulin products available to all U.S. patients for a fixed monthly price of $35.

Sanofi’s $35 Insulin Plan: What It Means for People with Type 1 Diabetes

How patients can enroll in Sanofi’s Insulins Valyou Saving Program

Sanofi: People can enroll in our Insulins Valyou Savings Program (IVSP) and our other patient assistance programs through Sanofi Patient Connection, or directly at the product website, which provides a coupon that can be brought to the pharmacy.

Do patients need a prescription or a coupon to access the insulin, or can they visit the pharmacy counter?

Sanofi: Every person’s situation is unique. By offering these resources online, people can evaluate the different programs against their situation and select the program that delivers them the highest savings before they get to the pharmacy counter.

Does the $35 monthly price apply per prescription, per vial, or per month regardless of insulin type/amount?

Sanofi: The program establishes a fixed price of $35 per month. This monthly cap covers any combination, type, and quantity of Sanofi insulins with a valid prescription. It is not a per-vial or per-prescription fee, ensuring predictable and affordable access for patients.

Which types of Sanofi insulin does the IVSP cover? Are there any exceptions?

Sanofi: IVSP can be utilized for any valid prescriptions of Sanofi insulins including Toujeo^® U-300 (insulin glargine injection) 300 Units/mL, Lantus^® (insulin glargine injection) 100 Units/mL, Apidra^® (insulin glulisine injection) 100 Units/mL, Admelog^® (insulin lispro injection) 100 Units/mL and Merilog^TM (insulin aspart-szjj) injection 100 Units/mL.

While Soliqua^® 100/33 is not covered through IVSP, Sanofi maintains a commercial copay assistance program for patients taking Soliqua^® 100/33 (insulin glargine and lixisenatide) injection 100 Units/mL and 33 mcg/mL. Eligible patients pay as little as $35 for a 30-day supply, with a maximum savings of $365 per pack (up to 2 packs) for each 30-day supply.

Will patients be able to access IVSP at all pharmacies, or only at certain pharmacy chains?

Sanofi: The IVSP program works at most pharmacies across the United States, including independent and rural pharmacies, without creating complex hurdles for patients. 

For people in rural areas or communities with limited access to pharmacies, how will Sanofi address these access barriers?

Sanofi: Addressing access barriers in rural and under-supported communities - a key concern for many people with diabetes - was a key consideration in designing this program. By ensuring it is implemented nationwide and functions seamlessly at independent and rural pharmacies, we aim to provide consistent and equitable access for all patients, no matter where they live.

Why did Sanofi decide to expand Valyou now? Was it in response to government pressure, competition, or patient advocacy? 

Sanofi: This expansion builds upon Sanofi’s longstanding commitment to affordability and belief that no one should struggle to pay for their insulin, regardless of their income level or insurance status.

Despite our robust and long-standing suite of patient support programs and our strategic collaborations with companies including GoodRx and Amazon Pharmacy, we know that some people are still falling through the cracks and have trouble affording their insulin. Therefore, we have created a seamless affordability program.

Do you think other insulin manufacturers make similar affordability announcements?

Sanofi: While we don’t comment on other companies’ actions, we are encouraged by industry-wide moves toward affordability. 

What makes Sanofi’s IVSP stand out?

Sanofi: Sanofi’s Insulins Valyou Savings Program is streamlined and comprehensive. The expanded IVSP does not go through the health insurance process, ensuring that patients can expect a predictable and fixed monthly price of $35 at most pharmacies nationwide, regardless of changes to their financial or insurance status.

How does IVSP interact with insurance companies and PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers)?

Sanofi: While we work closely with health insurance companies and PBMs to ensure broad access and coverage for our insulins, some patients may still experience difficulty in affording their insulins.

Through commercial copay programs, the patients’ health insurance covers a set portion of the cost, and then Sanofi covers the remainder of patient out of pocket cost as per program rules.

Does the $35 apply even if insurers/PBMs set higher copays?

Sanofi: The expanded IVSP does not go through the health insurance process, ensuring that patients can expect a predictable and fixed monthly price of $35, at most pharmacies nationwide, regardless of changes to their financial or insurance status.

Is Sanofi committed to maintaining this $35 cap long-term, or is it a temporary measure?

Our commitment is demonstrated by the history of the IVSP program, which has been in place since 2018. This latest expansion is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to affordability and access. We continue to work with policymakers and stakeholders on additional sustainable, long-term solutions to improve access to medicines.

What Sanofi’s IVSP Means for Type 1 Patients

This nationwide expansion, effective January 1, 2026, significantly lowers costs for many individuals with T1D, thereby reducing the financial burdens associated with living with the disease. Sanofi has set an example by reducing barriers to make insulin accessible to a wide range of people.

Hopefully, this trend will motivate other insulin manufacturers to create similar programs that offer financial relief to individuals struggling to afford their insulin.