The second largest international pharmaceutical company in India, Aventis Pharma Limited, announced the launch of Lantus (insulin glargine) on July 22, 2003 at Mumbai. Lantus is the world’s first and only once a day, 24 hour basal insulin that mimics the body’s natural release pattern.

Lantus has been developed as an alternative to intermediate or long-acting insulin. It is designed to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, compared to currently available therapies.

“Diabetes is a serious problem challenging our nation medically socially and economically. India currently has the largest diabetic population in the world with 37 million people and the numbers are estimated to grow to 57.2 million in the year 2025. The launch of Lantus reflects Aventis’ commitment to bringing the latest bio-technological breakthroughs in a speedy manner to the Indian population,” said Ramesh Subramanian, Managing Director, Aventis Pharma Ltd.

Lantus was first launched in Germany in May 2000, followed by USA in May 2001 and in the United Kingdom in August 2002. It is now the single largest basal insulin brand in the German market and the most frequently prescribed insulin in the United States. The introduction of Lantus in India is the latest step in the global rollout of this product.

Lantus can be taken, either alone, or in combination with other insulin treatments. In comparison to Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH the current basal insulin), Lantus has fewer risks related to hypoglycemia. “Lantus has the potential to improve metabolic control thereby reducing the threat of complications arising out of uncontrolled diabetes. Patients receiving Lantus have been shown to experience fewer episodes of hypoglycemia than people who are treated with other basal insulins, including NPH,” said Dr Sandeep Bhattacharya, Director-Commercial Operations, Aventis Pharma Ltd.

Lantus will be available in 10 ml vial for an introductory price of Rs.2499 in India.

In response to the question on their sales targets Dr Bhattacharya said, “Two-thirds of the diabetes market is controlled by oral drugs. Insulin has only one-third of the entire market share and we hope to dominate this market.”