Aventis Pharma Limited has launched its new basal insulin injection – Lantus in the Tamil Nadu market, as part of an ongoing national launch.

Elaborating details of the drug at a press meet held in Chennai, last week, company sources said the drug has received good response from various centres and many top diabetologists in the country have been prescribing it to patients. The drug is being introduced to doctors and patients in Tamil Nadu.

The once a day insulin, a top seller in U.K., U.S. and Germany, is available in the country in 100 Iu per ml and in packs of 10 ml, supplied along with three free 100 Iu syringes to maintain the correct dosages, instead of the commonly available 40 Iu syringes. Aventis offers the drug at a price of Rs.2499, at an estimated spending of Rs.25-Rs.50 depending on the dose on the part of the patient everyday.

Elaborating the advantages, company sources said the drug offers slow and steady release of insulin needed to control blood sugar levels. It has proven that users of basal insulin have less chances of hypoglycaemia, caused by constant intake of conventional insulin. The drug is best for patients who find oral drugs ineffective and those who find high fluctuation of blood sugar levels despite one dose insulin intake. Patients with uncontrollable sugar levels despite twice a day insulin intake can also use the drug, said sources.