Wockhardt launches India''s first automatic insulin delivery device and recombinant insulin cartridge

Our Corporate Bureau
17 February 2005

Mumbai: Pharmaceutical major Wockhardt Limited has announced the launch of India''s first automatic insulin delivery device designed for diabetic patients.

With the launch of this product, Wockhardt has become the first company in India to design, develop, manufacture and market the high technology insulin cartridges — the heart of the pen device, which makes insulin injection almost painless and more convenient. The pen device is priced at Rs1,099 and the cartridge Rs169

"It was only 18 months ago since we launched Wosulin, Asia''s first recombinant insulin," Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala said. "Wosulin made insulin more affordable and helped expand usage among Indian diabetics by 20per cent. We have now developed the ''Wosulin cartridge'' at our Biotech Park. Our cartridge, coupled with the pen, will not only offer great convenience of the device, it will be more affordable too."

The ''Wosulin pen'' has a unique dial system, which can select the right dose of insulin. "All the patient has to do is to press an automatic plunger to deliver insulin just under the skin. Since it is like a normal pen, it can be carried easily and its usage could be quite discreet. It will be a boon for diabetic patients who are on the move," Khorakiwala said.

The cartridges are manufactured at the Wockhardt Biotech Park in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, which Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, had inaugurated in September 2004. Wockhardt has developed the high technology rubber bung that enables injection of the exact amount of insulin required by the patient.