In a major shift poised to disrupt the diabetes treatment landscape, Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has announced plans to phase out its best-selling insulin product in India, Human Mixtard, along with several other legacy insulin brands.
Human Mixtard and Others Face Phase-Out
Despite being under price control, Human Mixtard remains a blockbuster product for the company in India, generating nearly ₹800 crore annually. Alongside it, other well-known insulins such as Actrapid, Insulatard, Insulin Detemir, Levemir, and Xultophy—largely sold through pre-filled disposable pens and cartridges (Penfill and FlexPen)—are also set to be discontinued.
Timeline for Discontinuation
Novo Nordisk recently informed its Indian marketing partner, Abbott India, that these products will be withdrawn once current inventories are depleted. As reported by The Times of India, this process may take approximately six months.
Strategic Shift Toward Newer Therapies
This decision aligns with Novo Nordisk’s global strategy to focus on newer, patented therapies for diabetes and weight management. The company is prioritizing high-margin products such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which have shown significant commercial success worldwide. Industry sources suggest that these newer drugs may soon debut in the Indian market as part of the firm’s strategic overhaul.
Limited Continuation in Vial Format
The company will stop offering several insulin brands in pen and cartridge formats. However, it plans to continue selling Human Mixtard, Actrapid, and Insulatard in vial form, which requires traditional syringes for administration.
Implications for Patients
This move could significantly affect patients, as insulin pens offer greater convenience, accuracy, and discretion compared to vials and syringes. A prior survey revealed that a majority of diabetics in India prefer pen devices for these very reasons. As such, the transition could pose challenges in terms of accessibility and adherence for many users.