OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, and Sen. Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, praised Senate Bill 1344 being signed into law, creating the Oklahoma Insulin Access and Affordability Program to help expand access to affordable insulin and encourage domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The new law places the Insulin Access and Affordability Program within the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The program is designed to increase patient access to affordable insulin, reduce prescription drug costs, encourage American manufacturing, increase marketplace competition and address shortages of generic insulin.

"For too many families, insulin is not just expensive, it is a life-sustaining medication they cannot go without," Stinson said. "I am proud the Legislature saw the need and answered the call. This will improve access to affordable insulin while also supporting innovation and American manufacturing. No Oklahoman should have to choose between paying their bills and getting the medication they need to stay alive."

Rosino also praised the signing of the bill into law.

"With Senate Bill 1344 now law, we are opening the door to more competition, greater transparency, and lower insulin costs for patients across Oklahoma," Rosino said. "Our state is leading the way in ensuring affordable insulin is in reach for every Oklahoman. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues, advocates, and healthcare professionals to deliver meaningful relief for families who depend on insulin every day."

The Department of Health will be authorized to provide financial support to one or more pharmaceutical manufacturers that are producing or developing fast-acting biosimilar insulin in the United States under the law. Before receiving funding, manufacturers must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the department and provide a match of non-state funds equal to the amount received from the state, along with meeting additional requirements outlined in the legislation.

Manufacturers participating in the program will also be required to submit annual reports detailing the development, production and distribution of fast-acting biosimilar insulin. The Department of Health will compile those reports into a single annual report for submission to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

SB1344 becomes effective Nov. 1.