A new fast-acting insulin called Fiasp has been launched in the UK for adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Fiasp received European approval on 10 January this year, and will now be made available to the NHS at no additional cost compared to NovoRapid (insulin aspart).
Fiasp, developed by Novo Nordisk, can help improve blood sugar levels after meals by working twice as quickly in the bloodstream following injection.
This faster absorption therefore helps people with diabetes achieve lower blood glucose levels after meals.
“Today we are very pleased to make available a new and improved mealtime insulin option,” said Avideh Nazeri, Director of Clinical, Medical and Regulatory, UK/IRE, Novo Nordisk.
“Fast-acting insulin aspart will address the unmet need for those who struggle to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range around mealtimes.
“This is an important step to help the achievement of optimal mealtime glucose control and ultimately may lead to meaningful health benefits.”
Clinical trials have shown Fiasp to outperform NovoRapid in helping people with type 1 diabetes achieve better diabetes control after meals and overall.
The results were even more pronounced among those using insulin pumps, with no significant increases seen in either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
People with type 2 diabetes who took Fiasp also experienced improvements at one hour after eating compared to NovoRapid.
“The availability of this fast-acting insulin aspart – that more closely matches a healthy body’s physiological response versus existing treatments – is an incremental improvement in care and may give patients a more effective tool with which to manage their diabetes at mealtimes,” added Professor David Russell-Jones, primary investigator for onset 1 (fast-acting insulin aspart clinical trial).

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