The California governor, Gavin Newsom, has rejected a bill that aimed to limit insulin costs at $35, which has been deemed a significant setback for diabetics in the state. The bill, proposed by Democratic senator Scott Wiener, intended to prohibit insurance companies from charging more than $35 for a 30-day supply of insulin, encompassing deductibles and co-pays. Newsom, a Democrat, explained his veto by stating that the state plans to produce its own affordable insulin through CalRx, a venture with the non-profit pharmaceutical company Civica Rx. According to this initiative, California would sell a 10-milliliter vial of insulin for $30, addressing the root cost issue.

However, critics argue that this decision leaves many diabetic Californians in a dire situation, torn between buying essential insulin and meeting other basic needs.

The attorney general of California previously sued insulin manufacturers, alleging illegal price collusion, and although some manufacturers had pledged voluntary price reductions in March, the bill’s veto means immediate relief remains elusive for many.