Sanofi-aventis launches SoloSTAR insulin pen in Indian Diabetic Market

Diabetes is a chronic disease condition in which the body in which insulin does not produce properly. More than 230 million people worldwide are living with the disease and this number is expected to rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years.

When it comes to administering insulin, many people prefer an insulin pen over the standard syringe and vial because they find pens more convenient and more accurate. And pre-filled disposable pens are easiest of all, because you don’t have to install a new cartridge when the pen is empty–you just toss it out.

Aventis Pharma, has launched a new prefilled disposable insulin pen, SoloSTAR for use with the 24-hour insulin Lantus. This disposable insulin pen is to be used for the treatment of hyperglycemia in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and will be available in India from April 2008. The SoloSTAR(R) pen is prefilled with Lantus(R) (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), the only 24-hour insulin approved exclusively for use once a day, for the treatment of hyperglycemia in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

SoloStar disposable pen comes pre-filled with Lantus, the long-acting insulin that’s injected once daily. Lantus(R) SoloSTAR(R) should be kept in cool storage (36oF - 46oF [2oC - 8oC]) until first use. Once in use, it should be kept at room temperature, as long as it remains below 86oF [30oC], away from direct heat or light, and can be used for up to 28 days. SoloSTAR(R) offers a 25% greater maximum capacity than other insulin pens.

Most insulins have a "peak of action," which refers to the time at which insulin reaches its maximum effect in the body. With Lantus(R), the insulin is released into the bloodstream at a relatively constant rate throughout the day and night; therefore it has no pronounced peak. Lantus(R) SoloSTAR(R) uses a simple, intuitive design with easy-to-read display features and requires only a few steps to use it properly. SoloSTAR(R) is small, discreet and eliminates the need for the patient to change cartridges.

SoloStar reduces the injection force by 30 per cent or more in comparison to other leading disposable pens. This is beneficial to diabetics and in particular for those with lower grip strength and an estimated upto 58 % of individuals with limited joint mobility of the hand. It has the highest dose range of any disposable insulin pen with doses up to 80 units adjustable in one unit steps.

This user-friendly insulin pen will cost at Rs 884 in India and the company expects huge demand in India as it is a capital of diabetic world.