Novo Nordisk Launches NovoFine® Plus Mini Needle In Canada
Novo Nordisk is launching its shortest needle yet for diabetics, NovoFine® Plus, in Canada. The ultra-thin, ultra-short universal pen needle is only as thin as two human hairs and measures just 4 mm long.
The company developed NovoFine® Plus primarily for type 2 diabetes patients reluctant to initiate insulin therapy due to needle anxiety. The new pen needle length and thinness are associated with less pain and reduced risk associated with intramuscular injection.
NovoFine® Plus does not require a skin fold for injection, as its design allows it to penetrate the skin at a 90 degree angle. As usual skin thickness fall between 1.9 mm 2.4 mm, a 4 mm pen needle can penetrate with minimal risk. NovoFine® Plus also has a flat hub needle design. These features not only deliver better patient experience, but also reduce risks of needle bending and breakage.
The new diabetic pen needle uses SuperFlow™ technology for faster injections with less force. Superflow technology increases internal bore width without increasing the needle’s outer diameter. This design increases flow rate while reducing resistance. NovoFine® Plus also has a triple bevel design to reduce penetration force required for skin puncture. The diabetic pen needle is compatible with all major diabetic pens available.
Novo Nordisk device R&D Senior Vice President Jesper Kløve said, “We know needle anxiety can be a real barrier when people with diabetes start insulin therapy, and in some people this fear really compromises their treatment. Novo Nordisk is committed to improving diabetes care and as part of our broad portfolio within treatment, devices and needles, we’re pleased to provide this new option to people with diabetes.” These include patients with decreased manual dexterity or hand strength such as elderly and very young patients.
Novo Nordisk plans to launch NovoFine® Plus in other countries in 2014 and 2015.