Novo Nordisk withdraws five insulin UK products

Novo Nordisk will withdraw five of its insulin products in the UK, it has been announced.

After December 31st 2007, the Mixtard 10, 20, 40 and 50 3ml Penfill series will no longer be available, in addition to Velosulin in 10ml form.

The company has notified GPs of the change, as well as secondary care diabetes centres. Patients will gradually be transferred over the next 16 months to different insulin therapies.

A statement on the Diabetes UK website said Novo Nordisk was reviewing its insulin product portfolio in order to maximise progression and strengthen the support it offered to healthcare staff and patients.

It said: “Novo Nordisk continues to work to supply and develop the insulins and devices most needed by people with diabetes and the healthcare professionals treating them.”

Last week, Novo Nordisk said it had received European approval to market Novo Rapid, a fast-acting insulin, to treat pregnant women. The Danish insulin analogue manufacturer said it was the first modern insulin to be approved in Europe for such a use.

Recently, Diabetes UK, the diabetes charity, said Pfizer’s Exubera, an inhaled insulin, was a “huge breakthrough”. However, Novo Nordisk has said it filed a lawsuit against Pfizer for infringing on its inhaled insulin patents.

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