Cheaper Insulin Likely From FDA Action on ‘Trailblazer’ Version

U.S. insulin prices can expect to see a drop from historic highs thanks to the government’s first-ever approval of a lower-cost substitute, drug industry observers say.

Whether other complex drugs will face similar competition depends on the government’s next steps.

The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Viatris Inc.'s Semglee diabetes treatment will usher in competition that drives down costs in the pricey insulin marketplace and ultimately benefits consumers. Viatris formed last year by combining Mylan NV with Pfizer’s spinoff Upjohn.

The FDA’s announcement marks the first time it’s approved an insulin biosimilar, a cheaper alternative to the high-cost biologic ...