Insulin Glulisine 100 units/ml solution for injection in a pre-filled pen (paeds)

Dr. Janet Hong, Consultant Paediatrician & Endocrinologist, HPJ

In terms of clinical performance efficacy

1.      Insulin Glulisine (Apidra®) has rapid acting profile.

2.      Reduces post-prandial glucose levels earlier, and significantly lower mean glucose peak than Aspart and Lispro.

3.      Better in reducing hypoglycaemia.

4.      Apidra® is the only zinc free formulation of insulin analogue, allowing faster absorption of glulisine from subcutaneous tissue.

5.      It offers therapeutic advantage over other rapid-acting insulins.

In terms Financial implication

1.      Glulisine is cheaper alternative than insulin Aspart

In term of safety & tolerability profile

1.      Insulin Glulisine (Apidra®) significantly lower mean glucose peak than Aspart and Lispro, making glulisine better in reducing hypoglycaemia.

In term of cost effectiveness

1.      Insulin Glulisine, significantly lower total insulin dose required when compared with Lispro

Other implications

1.      As compared to FlexPen® (NovoNodisk) and Lily Pen®, SoloStar requires lower injection force and has higher patient satisfaction.