Novo Nordisk expects to launch Levemir (insulin detemir) in Japan in its prefilled FlexPen device and in Penfill for its NovoPen injection systems before the end of 2007. With the new approval, Novo Nordisk says it will be the only company in Japan offering rapid-acting, pre-mixed as well as long-acting modern insulins, allowing doctors and patients to tailor insulin regimens to each patient’s individual needs.
Kare Schultz, COO of Novo Nordisk, said: “Diabetes is a large and growing public health issue in Japan. With the launch of Levemir, we are providing an improved basal insulin, which we believe will benefit many patients.”