Sanofi discontinuing old insulin pens in UK

07-Sep-2010 - Last updated on 08-Sep-2010 at 10:05 GMT

Sanofi-Aventis is discontinuing use of old insulin pen devices in the UK in response to NPSA guidance.

Discontinuing use of the old insulin pens will leave Sanofi with two delivery options for its insulin products. Sanofi is discontinuing the old pens in response to June guidance from the UK National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) which aims to make administration of insulin safer.

All insulin marketed by Sanofi will now be available in its ClikSTAR reusable pen device. Lantus (basal analogue) Apidra (rapid acting analogue) and Insuman Comb 25 (human insulin) will also be available in the SoloSTAR prefilled pen device.

Reducing the range to two pens means discontinuation of OptiSet, OptiClik and OptiPen Pro1. Sanofi will also cease distribution of Autopen 24 but it will remain available on prescription as it is manufactured by Owen Mumford.

Discontinuation of old devices will occur from December 31 2011. Detailing the discontinuation strategy fifteen months in advance is intended to give doctors and patients sufficient time to manage any changes. Patients will change device at their next routine check-up.

Remaining models

ClikSTAR and SoloSTAR “offer patients the best pen device options available in either a reusable or pre-filled format”, said Stephen Church, diabetes franchise director at Sanofi.

Both devices allow users to dial up to 80 units of insulin per dose in one unit increments. This offers more flexibility than most of the outgoing pens. Both pens are operated manually, so battery life is not an issue, and injections only require a low force.

Sanofi consulted with Diabetes UK about discontinuing some models and is working with the group to raise awareness about the changes.