Novo Nordisk launches basal insulin for adult patients with type I and type II diabetes

Tresiba, a new basal insulin developed by Novo Nordisk for the treatment of type I and type II diabetes was recently launched in India. 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 hypoglycaemia1,2,3 , as mentioned in the company release. It happens to be the first insulin to offer people with diabetes the flexibility in the timing of insulin administration on occasions when administration at the same time of day is not possible.

A particular problem people with diabetes face while taking insulin is a condition of low blood-sugar called hypoglycaemia.Hypoglycaemic episodes are unpleasant and experiencing them might lead to a lower compliance with insulin therapy, leading to increased risk of long-term complications4. Night-time hypoglycaemia is of particular concern for people living with diabetes, as these are often unpredictable and difficult to detect and react upon5. The lower rates of night-time hypoglycaemia with Tresiba will allay some of these concerns and encourage patients and physicians to aim for more ambitious glucose targets. Tresiba reduces blood glucose levels with a lower risk of night-time hypoglycaemia compared to other molecules available in the market. The price and the availability date of the product has not been decided as yet.

During the launch of Tresiba in Mumbai, Mads Bo Larsen, Vice President for Business Area Africa, Gulf and India, Novo Nordisk said, “Innovation has always been at the core of Novo Nordisk, aiming to deliver high-performing products and drugs that will help in meeting the demands of tomorrow’s challenges. With the launch of Tresiba we are bringing in a world class innovative product to India that will give the person with diabetes a better way to take control of their condition.”

“Novo Nordisk has a long heritage in changing the diabetes landscape with 90 years of leadership position in diabetes care. We have focused our efforts in developing treatments that address key challenges faced by patients and clinicians. We have been constantly innovating and discovering new molecules that bring in significant clinical benefits to patients that would enable them to lead a healthy and productive life. We have always ensured we have a wide range of products to address the growing requirements of patients across genre. Tresiba is one such product that reiterates our commitment and passion for delivering better value to people with diabetes,” said Melvin Oscar D’souza, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India.

Dr Ib Jonassen, Senior Principal Scientist, Novo Nordisk and the inventor of the molecule said, “Degludec works in a different way compared to other insulin treatments. The insulin forms a long chain of hexamers, like a string of pearls. Individual Degludec molecules break away from the chain, like a pearl coming off the string, one at a time and they are slowly and continually absorbed into the bloodstream. This allows Degludec to be slowly and steadily absorbed, at a constant rate, into the bloodstream providing an opportunity for long duration of action which can be beyond 42 hours.”

Dr Raman Shetty, Clinical Medical and Regulatory Director, Novo Nordisk India said, “In 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. However it is important to note that patients must consult their doctor and strictly follow their advice about any change in their treatment.”

References:
1. Kurtzhals et al., Multi-hexamer formation is the underlying mechanism behind the ultra long glucose lowering effect of insulin degludec. Diabetes 2011;60(Suppl 1): LB12 (Abstract 42-LB).
2. Nosek L et al., Ultra-long-acting insulin degludec has a flat and stable glucose-lowering effect. IDF 2011 21th World Congress Abstract Book. Diabetes 2011;60(Suppl 1): LB14 (Abstract 49-LB).
3. Tresiba® [summary of product characteristics]. Bagsværd, Denmark, Novo Nordisk A/S; 2012.
4. Leiter LA et al., Assessment of the impact of fear of hypoglycemic episodes on glycemic and hypoglycemia management. Can J Diabetes 2005;29:186-92.
5. Allen KV et al., Nocturnal hypoglycemia: Clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategies toward prevention. Endocr Pract 2003;9:530-43.

EP News Bureau – Mumbai