Novo Nordisk and Roche launch NovoRapid PumpCart

Novo Nordisk and Roche Diabetes Care have announced the launch of a new treatment option that has been designed to simplify insulin pump therapy.

NovoRapid PumpCart is the first prefilled pump cartridge with an insulin analogue that has been specifically designed for insulin pumps. It is being introduced in the UK, Sweden and Austria this week, with further European market launches planned for 2015 and 2016.

The treatment solution contains NovoRapid, a rapid-acting insulin from Novo Nordisk, and is compatible with the new Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump therapy system from Roche Diabetes Care.

Compared to multiple daily injections, insulin pumps can provide greater flexibility and potentially tighter blood glucose control, without an increased risk of hypoglycaemia.

Dr Mark Evans, lecturer and honorary consultant in medicine at the University of Cambridge, said: "In Europe, we've seen a slow but steady increase in insulin pump therapy uptake in recent years, but there is still room for improvement."

Last week, Novo Nordisk reported an increase in sales and profits during the first nine months of 2014, meaning it is on course to meet its goals for the full year.