Novo Nordisk Announces Upcoming Launch Of NovoPen Echo(TM), A Unique New Insulin Pen For Children With Diabetes

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 22 Oct 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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At the International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress in Montreal, Canada, Novo Nordisk today presented its latest insulin pen specifically designed to meet the needs of children with diabetes. The NovoPen Echo™ will be launched in several countries next year.

It will be the first ever insulin pen to offer a combination of a memory function with a half-unit dosing option, which allows for very accurate dosing of insulin. The memory function displays when and how much insulin has been delivered.

"A memory on the pen allows parents and children to check and prevent omission or double injections," said Doctor MD Carine de Beaufort, Clinique Pediatrique de Luxembourg. "Understanding unexpected blood glucose values is easier if one knows at least what has happened to one of the variants, insulin."

Additional features of the NovoPen Echo™ are its ease of use and the option of customising the look of the pen with a number of colourful skins.

A recent study presented at the International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) conference established that, on average, eight out of ten children, parents and healthcare professionals rated NovoPen Echo™ as their favourite pen in terms of memory function, appealing design and ease of use.1

In the study, insulin pens (NovoPen Echo™, NovoPen® Junior, HumaPen® Luxura™ HD) were evaluated for usability and preference in three target groups: in total 79 children; 78 parents and 48 Health Care Professionals in Germany, France and Canada.1 The memory function of NovoPen Echo™ scored well for meeting participants' needs with 78% of children, 83% of parents and 79% of Health Care Professionals rating it as 1-2 (on a scale of 1-6, where 1= 'meets my needs completely'; 6= 'does not meet my needs') and 89% of children and 94% of parents rating ease of use as 1-2 (where 1= 'very easy'; 6= 'very difficult'). The preference for NovoPen Echo™ was further corroborated by the interest shown by study participants to switch from their current pens: 87% said they would be very likely to switch.1

Novo Nordisk introduced the first modern insulin pen, NovoPen®, in 1985. NovoPen Echo™ represents the latest evolution of insulin devices, driven by nearly 25 years of continuous improvements based on research, development, and customer feedback.

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 28,500 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'.

References:

1) Olsen BS, Lilleore SK. NovoPen Echo® for the delivery of insulin in paediatric patients: a comparison of usability, functionality and preference among patients, their parents and healthcare professionals. Abstract presented to ISPAD 2009.

Source:
Katrine Sperling
http://www.novonordisk.com