Sanofi insulin product, Lantus Solostar pen, reported in short supply

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 finding the medication.

“Our priority is ensuring patients have access to their medications,” the spokesperson said. “This is a temporary situation that we anticipate will improve over the coming weeks.”