Long-acting insulin launched in Dhaka

Danish drug-maker Novo Nordisk launched a new long-acting insulin in Dhaka on Thursday in its effort to retain its biggest share in Bangladesh’s growing diabetic drug market.

The world’s biggest insulin producer enjoyed more than 80 percent of Bangladesh’s insulin market until recent years when Bangladesh’s companies started to make the life-saving diabetic shot.

Its current market share, fell to 70 percent, was still “significantly” higher than in many other countries, said Camilla Sylvest, vice-president of its Oceania and South East Asia business area.

With 10 percent of the estimated 8.4 million diabetic patients use insulin in Bangladesh, the market size is more than Tk 180 million.

Bangladesh’s drug control rules do not allow import of drugs if two local companies produce it, forcing Novo to make its insulin in a Bangladesh’s factory and keep prices competitive with the market price.

But still they are allowed to import newer varieties of drugs which are not available in the market following drug control rules.

Announcing the launch of the new insulin, Sylvest said Tresiba was such a product that acts for longer duration than usual insulin once injected.

“It is so flexible that at any time of a day the patient can take it,” she said.

Sylvest said bringing new products would “significantly advance” their market.

She said it would also help “better control” diabetes.

So far Tresiba is being marketed in 10 countries including European market.

However, US drug regulators kept its approval pending for extra test to assess its heart risks.

Diabetic Association of Bangladesh says the life-style disease is growing in the country by the day and suggested people to take preventive measures including regular exercise.