Insulin Degludec (Tresiba®) Included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List

Today, according to the latest announcement from the National Healthcare Security Administration, the new-generation basal insulin analog insulin degludec injection (brand name: Tresiba®) has been included in the "National Reimbursement Drug List for Basic Medical Insurance, Work-Related Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance (2019 Edition)."

Medications for the treatment of chronic diseases are among the priority areas in this adjustment of the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). The inclusion of insulin degludec in the NRDL reimbursement system will enable more patients with diabetes to benefit from this new-generation basal insulin analog, which offers significant advantages in terms of efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, thereby helping more patients achieve the goal of “stable glucose lowering and easy target attainment.”

Zhou Xiaping, Senior Vice President of Novo Nordisk and President of Greater China, stated: “We are greatly encouraged by the inclusion of insulin degludec in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). We extend our gratitude to the National Healthcare Security Administration and experts for recognizing the clinical value of insulin degludec and including this exceptional long-acting insulin in the NRDL, thereby benefiting more patients in China. We also appreciate the series of proactive measures taken by the government to facilitate earlier patient access to innovative medicines, ranging from accelerated drug registration to the timely adjustment of the NRDL. These favorable policies have further bolstered the confidence of innovative pharmaceutical companies. Upholding its commitment to changing the course of diabetes, Novo Nordisk remains dedicated to innovation and exploration, striving to bring more much-needed medications to Chinese patients at the earliest possible time.”

Insulin Degludec Injection is a next-generation basal insulin analog that effectively lowers fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Its rate of safe target attainment (HbA1c <7.0% without confirmed hypoglycemia) is 10% higher than that of insulin glargine¹; the risk of severe hypoglycemia is significantly reduced by 40%², and the incidence of nocturnal severe hypoglycemia is significantly reduced by 53%² compared with insulin glargine. Meanwhile, multiple trials have confirmed that patients receiving basal insulin therapy require lower doses of insulin degludec than insulin glargine, with an average dose reduction of approximately 10%-20%³,⁴, thereby helping patients reduce treatment costs.

Furthermore, if a patient misses a dose, it can be administered immediately upon discovery, greatly facilitating daily life. The new-generation pre-filled injection pen, NovoTresiba® FlexTouch®, offers patients an easier injection experience. With superior efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, insulin degludec meets the multidimensional blood glucose management concept of “stable glucose lowering and easy target achievement,” addressing unmet needs in diabetes treatment.

NovoRapid® was first approved globally in September 2012. To date, it has been approved in more than 80 countries and is marketed in over 61 countries and regions worldwide. NovoRapid® is the first new-generation basal insulin analog approved in China and was officially launched in the Chinese market in March 2018.

With a 96-year history, Novo Nordisk is a company consistently committed to innovation and a leader in the field of diabetes. This heritage has also equipped us with the experience and capability to help people overcome other serious chronic diseases, such as hemophilia, growth hormone disorders, and obesity. Headquartered in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 43,200 people across 80 countries and regions, providing products and services to more than 170 countries and regions worldwide.