HOME > INQUIRER > Article

Text Size

small

medium

large


US approves 1st fast-acting insulin biosimilar for diabetes

US approves 1st fast-acting insulin biosimilar for diabetes

Provided by INQUIRER.net.


 The US Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever rapid-acting insulin for reducing blood sugar levels. 




 It calls the new drug “Merilog,” a biosimilar to the widely-used insulin product Novolog (insulin aspart).




 READ: Stem cells show promise in reversing type 1 diabetes




 The FDA defines a “biosimilar” as a product compared to another approved alternative known as a reference product. 




 A biosimilar is highly similar to that reference with no clinically meaningful differences. 




 Merilog reduces blood sugar spikes that occur during mealtime. Also, the FDA approved Merilog’s 3-milliliter single-patient-use prefilled pen and a 10-milliliter multiple-dose vial.




 Patients must administer it subcutaneously or under the skin, typically in the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, or buttocks.




 Its protocol suggests taking the drug approximately five to 10 minutes before a meal. However, healthcare providers will determine the dosing routine based on patient needs.




 Sarah Yim, M.D., director of the Office of Therapeutic Biologics and Biosimilars in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, lauded the Merilog approval:




 “For the millions of people who rely on daily injections of insulin for treatment of diabetes, having a biosimilar option for their rapid-acting insulin injection can truly make a difference.” 




 “Biosimilar products have the potential to increase access to these life-saving medications,” she added.




 The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) says that the Philippines has 4,303,899 cases of diabetes in adults as of 2021. 

INQUIRER

HEADLINES

POLITICS
Japan Govt Adopts New Basic Plan for Tackling Gambling Addiction
ECONOMY
Japan Biz Leaders, S. Korean Foreign Minister Discuss Enhancing Economic Ties
SPORTS
Men's Soccer: Japan to Have 4 Int'l Friendlies in Oct.-Nov. ahead of World Cup
OTHER
Oldest Mask in Japan among Items Recommended for Listing as National Treasures

AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


Photos