Diabetes patients prefer prefilled NovoLog(R) Mix 70/30 FlexPen(R) disposable pen

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 28 Sep 2004 - 7:00 PDT


In type 2 diabetes patients, use of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® (70% insulin aspart protamine suspension and 30% insulin aspart injection, [rDNA origin]), a prefilled disposable insulin pen, was rated higher than prior treatments and was associated with improved flexibility, convenience, perceived clinical efficacy and quality of life, according to results published in the current issue of Diabetes Care. "This is the first study to examine the factors that contribute to patients' preferences for insulin pen devices over syringes," noted the study's lead investigator Richard R. Rubin, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine and pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md. "The results of this study should further encourage clinicians to consider the benefits of a prefilled insulin pen when discussing treatment options with patients, especially those new to insulin therapy and those still using vial and syringe."

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is a premixed insulin analog that has a rapid onset and intermediate duration of action, so insulin needs immediately after a meal and between meals can be met through a single injection rather than separate injections of different types of insulin. NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is typically dosed twice a day, immediately before breakfast and dinner, and is available in the prefilled, disposable FlexPen®.

Study and findings

In the three-month study, 372 type 2 diabetes patients took NovoLog® Mix 70/30 in a prefilled disposable FlexPen® delivery device. Participants were divided into five treatment subgroups: 1) those who had never used insulin (n=55); 2) those who had never used premixed analog insulin (n=59); 3) those who had used 70/30 premixed analog insulin but not in a pen (n=91); 4) those who had used a pen-filled 70/30 premixed analog insulin (n=81); and 5) a group of patients who had used various premixed analog insulin therapies through a pen or syringe and did not fit in the other subgroups (n=86). Patients completed two questionnaires measuring quality-of-life and satisfaction with diabetes treatment.

Patients in all five subgroups rated the NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® significantly higher than their previous treatment. Patients who had never used insulin before reported the greatest benefits in perceived clinical efficacy. Patients who had never used a pen or premixed analog insulin reported the greatest overall preference for the insulin pen device, and the greatest benefits in convenience, flexibility, and quality of life. Patients who were more accustomed to using an insulin pen device with premixed insulin reported less of a benefit across measurement outcomes.

"One of the most striking findings of this study is the fact that patients who had never taken insulin said they preferred the study pen device to their prior treatment, suggesting that a prefilled disposable insulin pen may help some people overcome their reluctance to starting insulin therapy," said Dr. Rubin.

About NovoLog® Mix 70/30

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is indicated for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus for the control of hyperglycemia. Because NovoLog® Mix 70/30 has peak pharmacodynamic activity one hour after injection, it should be administered with meals. NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive to NovoLog® Mix 70/30 or one of its excipients. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy, including NovoLog® Mix 70/30.

Any change in insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

About NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen®

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® represents the latest generation of prefilled, disposable insulin pens from Novo Nordisk, designed to be discreet to use. Compared to other insulin delivery devices that have to be manually loaded with insulin cartridges, prefilled pens are ready to use, eliminating the step of loading insulin into the delivery device. NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® is about six inches long, weighs less than an ounce, and features a single-step dose-setting mechanism, portability and a discreet "non-medical" appearance.

The dose-setting mechanism of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® does not allow a dose larger than that remaining in the pen, permits dose corrections without loss of insulin, and provides doses in one-unit increments up to 60 units per injection (each pen contains 300 units total). The dose scale of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® automatically returns to zero after injection to allow visual confirmation of dose delivery. Full prescribing information for NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is available by contacting Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

NovoLog and FlexPen are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.

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Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as hemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone therapy for women. 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 19,600 full-time employees in 69 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'. For global information, visit www.novonordisk.com; for United States information, visit www.novonordisk-us.com.

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