| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
|---|---|
| Recombinant human insulin | |
| Clinical data | |
| Pregnancy cat. | ? |
| Legal status | ? |
| Routes | Subcutaneous |
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| ATC code | ? |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | ? |
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Insulin degludec is a ultralong-acting basal insulin analogue being developed by Novo Nordisk. It is injected subcutaneously three-times a week to help control the blood sugar level of those with diabetes. It has a duration of action that lasts up to 40 hours, unlike the 18 to 26 hours provided by current marketed long-acting insulins such as insulin glargine and insulin detemir.[1][2]
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Studies have shown that patients taking insulin degludec needed to take significantly smaller doses of basal insulin than those taking insulin glargine, while achieving similar blood glucose levels. Insulin degludec also has the ability to be mixed with other insulins, thereby improving glycemic control. This cannot be done using current long-acting insulins.[3][4] A physician involved in the trials was quoted as saying,
"This allows the creation of a novel formulation that retains the smooth control of a long-acting basal with rapid-acting mealtime control from insulin aspart. This 2-component insulin retains the ultralow risk characteristics of degludec with simultaneous mealtime coverage."[5]
Insulin degludec is currently in Phase III clinical trials,[6] the final step before regulatory filing in the United States.[7] Novo Nordisk hopes to begin marketing the insulin analog in 2013.[8]
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