'India's Top-Selling Insulin Isn't Going Away, 10% Users To Be Impacted': Novo Nordisk India MD
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Vikrant Shrotriya said Human Mixtard is not being discontinued in India and will be supplied in vial presentation
In a big relief for Indian patients, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk said it is not discontinuing India's largest-selling insulin brand, Human Mixtard.
In recent weeks, concerns had been growing among diabetes patients over reports of a possible discontinuation of Human Mixtard. However, the largest-selling insulin brand will remain available in vials and not pens.
In an interview, Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India, told News18, 'Novo Nordisk India confirms that it is not discontinuing Human Mixtard in India and will continue to supply it in vial presentation along with other human insulins, including Human Actrapid and Human Insulatard."
The company's decision aligns with its global strategy. Globally, the Danish drug-maker is gradually winding up production of human insulin pens as it focuses on ramping up manufacturing of its latest and popular obesity or diabetes injections, including the blockbuster drug, Ozempic.
'In India, we will be phasing out human insulin in Penfill and FlexPen gradually by the end of this year. However, we continue to remain a very strong player with the largest insulin formulation offerings in India in all three generations, including human insulin, modern insulin and new generation insulin."
Shrotriya explained that as part of the global portfolio consolidation, Novo Nordisk has decided to phase out certain insulin products or devices, 'which reflects our ongoing efforts to continually improve our existing product offerings and to ensure that maximum patients have access to the most effective and innovative treatments available, globally".
'This will create space needed in our global manufacturing network, rationalise and make it sustainable in the long run to bring efficiency in Novo Nordisk product offerings."
Despite the price control, according to Pharmarack data, Mixtard was the eleventh most-selling brand in India in April, with its moving annual turnover (MAT) standing at Rs 766 crore. The second-largest insulin brand also comes from Novo Nordisk's portfolio, Ryzodeg, with a MAT of Rs 593 crore, followed by Sanofi's Lantus.
Why is human insulin no longer a priority?
In high-income countries or even in India, for those who can afford it, most people with diabetes now rely on modern insulin, as this kind of product offers more precise blood sugar control and greater flexibility in dosing.
However, in low- and middle-income countries or for people who want cheaper options, human insulin remains the more widely used option. It's significantly cheaper and easier to produce. However, it doesn't always provide the same level of control or convenience which can be achieved by the latest insulin options.
Who will be impacted & what are the options?
The company believes that 'of the overall patients on insulin in India, only 10 per cent are impacted," with this decision to phase out penfill and flexpen versions.
'They will have the choice of transitioning to modern and new generation insulin or continue human insulin through vials or other treatment options available in the market, based on the recommendation from their physician," Shrotriya said, adding that 'the remaining 90 per cent of patients using insulin remain unimpacted".
'We continue our unwavering commitment towards people with diabetes by continuing to serve every 'one in two' patients in India who require insulin," he said. 'Accordingly, we are doing everything we can to liaise early with health authorities, support healthcare professionals, trade partners and patients in the transition to other treatment options."
Currently, Novo Nordisk claims that it is the only company in India offering three generations of insulins to patients living with diabetes.
Will continue to invest in R&D
On being asked if this withdrawal will affect their overall insulin portfolio and research and development plans in India, Shrotriya explained that 'Novo Nordisk India contributes around 10 per cent to more than 40 global trials across therapy areas".
'We continue to invest in R&D to bring more innovations for the benefit of people living with serious chronic diseases, including improved insulins such as glucose-sensitive insulin, beta-cell replacement therapies and once-weekly insulin therapy."
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