Premixed insulin analogue launched in Europe

In late March, Novo Nordisk launched NovoMix® 30 FlexPen®, its new, dual-release insulin analogue and pen system designed specifically for people starting insulin therapy. The first countries to launch were the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. NovoMix® 30 FlexPen® is being introduced in several other European countries, and the US and Australia during 2002.

NovoMix® 30 is a unique insulin analogue combining 30% rapid-acting insulin aspart and 70% intermediate-acting insulin aspart.

NovoMix® 30 will be available in FlexPen®, a new prefilled insulin pen designed to be simpler, easier and more discreet to use than other prefilled pens. Over time, FlexPen® will replace NovoLet®, the world's best-selling prefilled insulin pen. "Our goal for the development of NovoMix® 30 FlexPen® was to find the best way to help people with diabetes start on insulin therapy simply and easily, but at the same time achieve the best control possible from a 30/70 premix," said Dr Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, chief science officer at Novo Nordisk.

Facilitates insulin therapy in Type 2 diabetes
While Type 2 diabetes - the most common form of the disorder - can often initially be treated with diet, exercise and tablets, in most cases insulin therapy is eventually required to maintain blood glucose control. Many people who should begin therapy are, however, concerned with the restrictions they think it will have on their lives - because human insulin should be taken 30 minutes before meals, necessitating a rigid schedule of injections and meals, and because it is often administered by 'medical-looking' delivery devices. These and other barriers contribute to 'psychological insulin resistance', the avoidance of insulin therapy by providers and people with diabetes.

It is now widely recognised that good glycaemic control delays onset and reduces progression of late diabetic complications in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Optimal control requires treatment that mimics as closely as possible the insulin profile seen in non-diabetic people. NovoMix® 30 very closely mimics the normal physiological human insulin profile, and allows insulin requirements to be met in a single injection rather than separate injections of rapid- and intermediate-acting insulins. Most people need only two injections a day of NovoMix® 30, usually just before breakfast and dinner. The quick onset of action of the rapid-acting component allows people with diabetes to inject themselves immediately before eating or up to 15 minutes after starting a meal.

Novo Nordisk market leader
Premixed insulins account for about 39% of the insulin market in the industrialised world, and in the last five years the segment has been growing by 9% per year on average, which is 3 percentage points more than the average insulin market growth. Novo Nordisk has a market share of more than 50% in the premixed insulin segment.

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