Novo Nordisk''s NovoLog Mix 70/30 (70% insulin aspart [rDNA origin] protamine suspension and 30% insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection), a new dual-action insulin analog, along with the new NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen prefilled syringe, is now available nationwide for the treatment of diabetes.

NovoLog Mix 70/30 has a rapid onset and intermediate duration of action, so insulin needs immediately after a meal and between meals can be met through a single injection rather than separate injections of these types of insulins. NovoLog Mix 70/30 is typically dosed twice a day, immediately before breakfast and dinner.

"Our goal with NovoLog Mix 70/30 is to help people with diabetes start insulin therapy simply and easily, and at the same time achieve effective glycemic control," said Peter Aurup, vice president of drug development, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He said that maintaining glycemic control -- the control of blood glucose levels -- is important in decreasing the risk of long-term complications in type 2 diabetes. Initially, people with type 2 diabetes can control their condition through diet, exercise and oral hypoglycemic agents, but eventually most require insulin therapy to maintain adequate control.

While the researchers conducting the study found the two devices comparable in terms of safety and efficacy, participants reported preference for the NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen, in terms of overall ease of use, by more than an 8-to-1 margin (73.6% preferred the NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen, compared to 9.1% who preferred the lispro mix pen).1 The researchers also found that 75% of the participants said they wanted to continue using the NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen when the trial ended. The multinational, multicenter, open labeled, randomized two-period crossover study included 137 people with type 2 diabetes.

NovoLog Mix 70/30 is indicated for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus for the control of hyperglycemia. Because NovoLog Mix 70/30 has peak pharmacodynamic activity one hour after injection, it should be administered with meals. NovoLog Mix 70/30 is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive to NovoLog Mix 70/30 or one of its excipients. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy, including NovoLog Mix 70/30.

NovoLog Mix 70/30 is the second of several insulin analog formulations in development from Novo Nordisk. Other products in development include long-acting insulin analogs.