Switzerland is first to launch new diabetes therapy - Levemir® (insulin detemir)
Geneva (ots)
Novo Nordisk Switzerland announced today that Levemir® (insulin detemir), a novel, predictable basal insulin analogue with a unique mechanism of prolonging action (scientifically known as protraction), is available for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Switzerland today. The Swiss launch is just the beginning of an exciting global roll-out of this novel diabetes therapy.
Levemir® is a long-acting insulin analogue that provides more consistent day-to-day control of blood glucose levels compared to conventional insulin preparations. (1-6) Among the benefits for people with diabetes, it has been demonstrated that Levemir® reduces fasting blood glucose and the risk of hypoglycaemia, especially at night-time. (1-5) In addition, studies have shown that people using Levemir® do not experience the undesirable weight gain often associated with conventional insulin preparations. (1-5,7)
"Our goal for the development of Levemir® was to find the best way to help people with diabetes control their glucose levels with consistent dosing," said Lars Rebien Sørensen, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk. "Levemir® completes our portfolio of insulin analogue products, and we are proud to begin the launch of this exciting product in Switzerland."
"The development of Levemir® alongside our other diabetes therapies is testament to our commitment to treating and defeating diabetes across the world. Levemir is a result of the expertise we have built up over more than 80 years in diabetes therapies," Sørensen added.
In order to reach as many physicians as possible on the first day of launch Novo Nordisk will supplement the existing sales force with over 100 additional Novo Nordisk employees who have received extensive training on Levemir. Today the team will be visiting 400 doctors in diabetes clinics and primary care centres, throughout Switzerland, to discuss the benefits of Levemir® over traditional therapies and to advise on best practise in insulin therapy.
Facilitates predictable glycaemic control
Levemir® is a basal insulin analogue that provides more predictable and consistent control of blood glucose levels (glycaemic control). As a result, blood glucose levels are maintained within a very narrow range, especially during the night. (1,3,8,9) This provides the opportunity for people with diabetes to achieve consistent dosing which facilitates optimal glycaemic control.
The benefits of Levemir® have been confirmed in a number of clinical studies and include:
- A more predictable profile than NPH insulin and insulin glargine
(6)
- First-rate glycaemic control in basal-bolus treatment (1,3,4,8)
- Lower risk of hypoglycaemia than NPH insulin (especially at
night time) (1,3,8,9)
- Better weight management in type 1 and type 2 diabetes compared
with NPH insulin (1-5,7)
- Has a duration of action of up to 24 hours depending on the dose
- providing the flexibility of once- or twice-daily dosing (11)Benefits of Levemir® in basal-bolus regimen
A recent study further confirmed that a basal-bolus regimen of Levemir® plus the rapid acting insulin analogue NovoRapid® provides improved and more consistent glycaemic control as well as a reduced risk of hypoglycaemia compared to a conventional regimen of NPH insulin plus short-acting human insulin. (3) Designed to mimic natural insulin release and provide a high level of glycaemic control, a basal-bolus regimen consists of bolus injections of short-acting insulin before meals to control the blood glucose surge following food consumption, and a basal injection of intermediate- or long-acting insulin to control blood glucose levels between meals and during the night.
"The basal-bolus treatment in association with a well guided therapeutic education is an excellent strategy for achieving the ambitious goal of nearing normoglycaemia", says Dr Juan Ruiz, Endocrinologist/Diabetologist, University Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland. "The consistent, predictable effect of Levemir on blood glucose reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia, making it possible to safely achieve glycaemic goals. We also hope to see the further benefit of less weight gain".
Levemir® will be available in further key European countries during 2004. It will be available in Penfill cartridges and FlexPen®, the Novo Nordisk device that is simple and easy to use, providing flexibility and convenience for people with diabetes.
Notes to editors:
- Novo Nordisk is a focused healthcare company. Novo Nordisk holds the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems.
- Novo Nordisk is 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 18'000 people in 68 countries and markets its products in 179 countries. For further company information visit www.novonordisk.com
References
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on a basal-bolus regimen with premeal insulin aspart. Diabetes
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Diabetologia 2002;45 (Suppl.2); A257.Contact:
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