Novo Nordisk to phase out human insulin pens globally: Will it disrupt your dosage?
Thirty-seven-year-old Nupur Lalvani, who has been living with Type 1 diabetes since the age of eight, was dependent on insulin pens and had of late been a regular user of Novo Nordisk's largest insulin brand, Human Mixtard. But now that the Danish major is phasing it out, the move is expected to disrupt Indian markets, where it is the largest seller, and affect patients like Lalvani.
As founder of Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation – among the largest patient-led communities for all types of diabetes – she has flagged concerns about changes in the insulin portfolio. 'Doctors say alternative brands are available. Switching brands and delivery devices is not a seamless process, especially for those managing diabetes every day on tight budgets,' she says. As per an ICMR-INDIAB study, around 11 million individuals with diabetes are on insulin.
What is the pen all about?
It is a pre-filled insulin pen containing insulin aspart, a fast-acting insulin analog. It helps glucose get into cells for energy, lowering blood sugar levels. It should be taken at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal, regularly and alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight management. It's available in 3 ml cartridges and should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and not frozen.
Does Novo Nordisk have a back-up in place?
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk released an official statement saying though it was phasing out the 100 IU Penfills, which are fast-acting insulin solutions to high blood sugar levels, and FlexPens, cartridges containing 100 units of insulin per millilitre designed for use with insulin pens, its 40 IU vials of Mixtard will continue to be available in India. Vials need separate insulin syringes. 'Other forms of insulin, including human insulins from Novo Nordisk, will continue to be available in vials and devices for patients across India. In order to meet increasing patient demand and ensure a stable supply of our medicines, we have decided to consolidate our insulin portfolio as this will create space needed in our global manufacturing network. Hence, in this process, we are phasing out the Penfill,' read the statement.
Why is the company withdrawing its human insulin pen?
Clearly the company is reworking priorities as it expands production of obesity and diabetes injectables.
However, Lalvani says that since many people have relied on both Penfills and FlexPens, this discontinuation will disrupt patient experience. 'I have personally used 100 IU Actrapid for years, and now I'll have to search for alternatives,' she says.
What about alternatives?
Dr R M Anjana, president, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, says alternative brands are available. 'Many companies in the market are selling the same type of insulin. Also, the withdrawal applies only to insulin pens, whereas vials will still be available. While these are more inconvenient, they are less expensive. So we will have to wait and see how this pans out,' she adds.
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