Novo Nordisk releases two smart connected insulin pens in the UK

A leading global healthcare company has launched two smart connected insulin pens in the UK to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

Novo Nordisk has announced that the NovoPen® 6 and NovoPen Echo® Plus are both now available on prescription for individuals with diabetes who are treated with Novo Nordisk insulin in the UK.

NovoPen® 6 and NovoPen Echo® Plus are insulin injection pens that record dosing information, including when and how much insulin was administered.

This data can be uploaded to a compatible app and viewed by people living with diabetes and their healthcare professionals.

Currently, insulin injection dosing information is manually recorded in a logbook or app. However, in clinical practice, incomplete or inaccurate information on insulin dosing and timing can be a significant barrier to optimising glycaemic control.

The two smart connected insulin pens now allow healthcare professionals to view the insulin dosing information of people with diabetes, helping to facilitate more productive consultations and support personalised treatment guidance.

Remote access to this data may also help to support a longer- term transition from in-person to virtual care, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which could also help alleviate pressure on health system capacity.

Emma Wilmot, Consultant Diabetologist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust said:“Integrating innovative technology as a routine part of diabetes care is an important step to improve diabetes care.

Novo Nordisk’s smart connected pens are an example of how technology can support people living with diabetes to gain greater insight into the management of their diabetes, on their journey to becoming experts in their diabetes.”

She added: “In my clinic, the opportunity to view daily insulin data will allow me to better support the individual with diabetes to achieve their goals.

“It will allow for more tailored and informed advice on optimisation of glucose levels, with the ultimate goal of improving future outcomes.”

Results from an observational study indicate that using NovoPen® 6 to administer their insulin could give people living with type 1 diabetes close to two extra hours of improved glucose levels (measured as HbA1c 3.9 – 10.0 mmol/L) per day, with a reduction in time spent in hyperglycaemia (measured as HbA1c >10 mmol/L) and level 2 hypoglycaemia (measured as HbA1c <3.0 mmol/L).

A further analysis looking at missed bolus doses (insulin that is specifically taken at mealtimes) indicated that NovoPen® 6 decreased the average daily number of missed doses by 43% (p=0.002) by the end of the study.

Pinder Sahota, General Manager, Novo Nordisk UK, said: “We believe digital innovation of devices and treatments has the potential to transform people’s lives and help alleviate the daily burden of living with diabetes.

“Our smart connected insulin pens aim to empower people to better understand their diabetes management, have more informed conversations with their doctor and ultimately improve their blood glucose control.”

The NovoPen® 6 and NovoPen Echo® Plus are reusable and in line with Novo Nordisk’s Circular for Zero ambition to have zero environmental impact.