Millipore and Novo Nordisk expand insulin supply deal

Under the terms of the agreement, Millipore will have exclusive worldwide rights to market and sell Novo Nordisk’s recombinant human insulin, branded by Millipore as Incelligent SG and Incelligent AF, for cell culture media applications. The two insulin products are manufactured in separate and independent facilities thereby offering greater supply chain security to customers, the companies claim.

Cell culture supplements are products that help engineered cells to efficiently produce the proteins that are the basis of biologic drugs. Incelligent is available in a standard grade and in an animal-free version, which uses no animal-derived products in its manufacturing process. The use of animal-free supplements reduces risk and eases regulatory concerns for biopharmaceutical manufacturers.

The current long-term supply agreement between Millipore and Novo Nordisk was extended for several years and ensures that biopharmaceutical manufacturers will have a guaranteed, secure supply of insulin to use in the production of biologic drugs and the development of new cell lines.