FDA approves new Sanofi-Aventis insulin pen

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new insulin pen from Sanofi-Aventis, the drug maker announced Thursday.

Apidra SoloSTAR (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin]) is a prefilled, disposable insulin pen containing the fast-acting insulin analog Apidra. Apidra is used to improve glycemic control in patients aged 4 and older with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Its approval follows the 2007 approval and launch of Lantus SoloSTAR (insulin glargine [rDNA origin]).

 "People with diabetes have to contend with the challenges of carbohydrate counting, regular blood pressure monitoring and careful administration of their insulin," Sanofi-Aventis U.S. VP metabolism marketing Angela Moskow stated. "Apidra SoloSTAR represents another innovation introduced by Sanofi-Aventis that offers patients a convenient option for administering their Apidra."