Sanofi-aventis' Apidra (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection), a new prandial or mealtime insulin analog, is now available by prescription in the United States for the control of hyperglycaemia in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

According to the company release, Apidra should normally be used in regimens that include a longer-acting insulin or basal insulin analog such as Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection).

Apidra cartridges are now available for use with the insulin injection pen OptiClik. OptiClik is a reusable pen device with advanced features that help to ensure that diabetes patients get the correct dose of insulin every time. OptiClik is also currently approved for use with Lantus, the only once-daily, 24-hour insulin with no pronounced peak.

Apidra has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action than regular human insulin, and offers people with diabetes greater mealtime dosing flexibility versus regular human insulin because they can take Apidra either before or after a meal (within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal). Apidra is also flexible for use in adults with diabetes whose BMIs range from lean to obese. Increased adiposity and higher BMI can affect rapid absorption of insulin, making prandial control a challenge, especially for overweight patients.

"Controlling mealtime blood sugar spikes is a crucial part of managing diabetes. Apidra is a welcome addition to the armamentarium of all healthcare professionals who treat adults with diabetes," said Richard M. Bergenstal, executive director of the International Diabetes Centre at Park Nicollet, Minneapolis.

In the US, more than 20 million people have diabetes, including an estimated 6 million who remain undiagnosed.