Novo Nordisk to launch insulin variant in India

Tresiba a new basal insulin for adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to be available in India as a new treatment option

World’s largest insulin player Novo Nordisk said on Monday it is launching long-lasting insulin injection Tresiba in India soon.

“Tresiba (insulin degludec) — a new basal insulin for adult patients with Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes will be available in India as a new treatment option. We are through with clinical trials and have received the necessary approvals. We hope to launch it by the end of this year,” Novo Nordisk India Managing Director Melvin D’souza told reporters in Mumbai.

Tresiba is a once-daily basal insulin with a duration of action beyond 42 hours, allowing for flexibility in day-to-day dosing time when needed, without compromising efficacy or risk of hypoglycaemia.      “In the current insulin treatments, people with diabetes are required to take their long-acting insulin at around the same time each day.     

“However, the mode of action of insulin degludec ensures that, on occasions when this is not possible, people with diabetes can alter the time they take their insulin without compromising their diabetes control or putting themselves at increased risk of hypoglycaemia,” Novo Nordisk India Clinical Medical and Regulatory Director Raman Shetty said.

Tresiba will be made available in a pre-filled pen with an easy touch button, enabling doses of up to 80 units in a single injection. The pricing will be announced at the time of the launch, D’souza said. Novo Nordisk India has 15 per cent market share in the diabetes care segment. The company hopes to grow at 15 per cent per annum in the domestic market, D’souza said.