Lilly’s new Humulin insulin pen gets FDA approval

INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly and Company announced this week that the Food and Drug Administration had given final approval to its Humulin U-500 KwikPen insulin injection. The pen offers a 500 units/mL dose of insulin, which is five times more concentrated than a standard shot of U-100 insulin. 

 

The pen is intended to treat high blood sugar in diabetes patients who require more than 200 units of insulin per day to regulate their blood sugar levels. 

 

“For these patients, the U-500 KwikPen is now available as a convenient alternate option to deliver a large dose of insulin in a reasonable volume,” Lillu Diabetes medical fellow of U.S. medical affairs Jeffrey Jackson said. “It was specifically designed as a dedicated dosing device to eliminate the need for dose conversion, as compared to use of the vial and syringe options, which some people may find to be an improvement”

 

Before the KwikPen, Humulin U-500 was only available in vials. The product has an aqua color to differentiate it from other insulin pens.