Issue 2: Innovation in Care
Innovation, technology and drug discovery are crucial to enhancing the health and quality of life for the millions of people throughout the world with diabetes. This second issue of the Novo Nordisk BlueSheet examines how insulin has evolved over the last 90 years, how it is developed today, the use of insulin devices in the U.S., and the outlook for new generation insulins.
Expert Q&A:
Not Your Grandmother's Insulin
Many call it a medical marvel. At nearly 90 years old, insulin remains one of the most significant discoveries in the field of medicine. Since its discovery in 1922 by Frederick Banting and Charles Best, this drug has evolved at the hands of researchers and scientists who continuously look for new ways to improve the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of the insulin molecule.
Read the full article 
Watch Alan C. Moses, MD, Global Chief Medical Officer for Novo Nordisk, talk about insulin (01:41).
Source: dLife
Why Not Pen Devices?
Insulin was discovered nearly 90 years ago and since that time it has evolved significantly because of innovative research and advancements in technology. Yet, such progress begs an important question. Why are the majority of people with diabetes in the U.S. still using the syringe – the same delivery device from 1922 – to take insulin?
Read the full article
Watch Alan C. Moses, MD, Global Chief Medical Officer for Novo Nordisk, talk about pen devices (01:15).
Source: dLife
Insulin: The New Generation
Insulin drug development is paving the way for new forms of insulin delivery options to patients today. While much advancement has been made to diabetes injections, scientists and clinicians are always preparing for the new generation of insulin, which may set a new standard for future insulin therapy. The purpose of this research is to develop safe and efficacious treatment solutions that may more closely resemble the way insulin works in individuals that do not have diabetes. Together, sophisticated technologies and field research are enabling progress for the new generation of insulin at a faster pace than ever before.
Government Update
Recently, Novo Nordisk Government Affairs helped form a broad coalition of health care professional membership and patient advocacy organizations committed to changing how the nation perceives and approaches the diabetes epidemic. The coalition currently includes nine organizations: the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American Clinical Laboratory Association, American Diabetes Association, American Optometric Association, the Endocrine Society, Medicare Diabetes Screening Project, Novo Nordisk, and Vision Service Plan.
Diabetes in the News
On June 16, 2010, Diabetes Care published “Diabetes and Cancer”1 - a consensus report co-authored by a committee of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The report reviews emerging evidence that suggests a link between diabetes and cancer incidence or prognosis.
The History of Insulin Timeline
BlueSheet Newsletter: Issue 2
(Downloadable Print-Ready Version)
BlueSheet Newsletter: Issue 2 (Downloadable Print-Ready Version)
To view Novo Nordisk Bluesheet Issue 1: Healthcare Reform, please click here.
For more information on Novo Nordisk, please visit www.novonordisk-us.com.
Welcome to the second issue of the Novo Nordisk BlueSheet, the industry's definitive resource for information on diabetes. Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and world leader with an 87-year history of innovation and achievement in diabetes care. Each quarter, we will highlight key issues in diabetes prevention, detection, treatment and care and related topics such as legislative updates, innovation in patient care and public education.
From the development of insulin analogs to the launch of the first insulin pen device in 1985, the science of insulin continues to evolve and improve the quality of life for those living with diabetes. We need to remain ambitious in driving the development of innovative and effective new treatments that will benefit the millions of people living with diabetes. As an industry, we must also continue to educate health care practitioners, diabetes educators and patients on safe and efficacious insulins and insulin delivery methods that best meet individual lifestyle needs.
Over the past few years, the need for safety has risen as a paramount theme in the diabetes community. The recent release of the American Diabetes Association and American Cancer Society's consensus paper on diabetes and cancer and the ADA’s 70th Scientific Sessions continued that momentum.
This growing dialogue and call for establishing even more confidence in diabetes therapies validated, for us, our own pursuit of innovation: that diligent research into new therapies cannot proceed without efficacy, safety and vigilant monitoring once products are marketed. In this issue, we provide insights into our philosophy for developing the safest possible and most effective products for people with diabetes.
For more than 80 years, Novo Nordisk has combined drug discovery with technology to turn science into solutions for people with diabetes. We are committed to doing so until diabetes is defeated and a cure is found.
Dr. Per Falk
Vice President of Clinical Development, Medical & Regulatory Affairs
For more information please contact:
Sean Clements
Associate Director, Media Relations
secl@novonordisk.com
Phone: +1 609 514-8316
Cell: +1 609 902-9164