Insulin Innovation: Local Penfill Production Boosts Biopharma Capacity
SKF Pharmaceuticals Limited and Novo Nordisk Bangladesh have announced the local production of modern insulin cartridges (Penfill) in Bangladesh. This contract manufacturing initiative has been implemented through technology transfer from Denmark.
The announcement was made at an event titled “Shabash Bangladesh: Increasing Access to Modern Insulin through Technology Transfer from Denmark.” Stakeholders described the initiative as a significant milestone in enhancing access to high-quality diabetes treatment and strengthening the country’s capacity in biologic drug manufacturing.
Novo Nordisk Bangladesh, a leading insulin supplier in the country, has long been importing modern insulin products such as Novomix and Novorapid from Denmark. Under the new arrangement, these insulin cartridges will now be produced locally in Bangladesh using the same technology. This is expected to improve insulin availability for diabetes patients and reduce costs comparatively.
For the first time in Bangladesh, premixed and fast-acting modern insulin cartridges will be manufactured following international standards in both technology and production processes. Each batch produced locally will undergo quality verification in Denmark to ensure compliance with Novo Nordisk’s global standards.
Minister of Health and Family Welfare Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said the initiative highlights progress in developing the country’s advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity. It will ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines and contribute to achieving self-reliance in the healthcare sector.
Director General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration Major General Md. Shamim Haider said such partnerships are crucial for ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy in life-saving medicines, particularly for complex biologics like insulin.
Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller said the initiative demonstrates how Danish innovation can expand access to quality diabetes care while strengthening Bangladesh’s biomanufacturing capabilities.
Managing Director of Novo Nordisk Bangladesh Dr. Riad Mamun Pradhani stated that the local production partnership marks an important step toward increasing access to modern insulin. He also announced an 18 percent price reduction for Novomix and Novorapid insulin.
Group CEO of Transcom Limited, Simeen Rahman, described the launch of Novo Nordisk’s first modern Penfill insulin cartridge production in Bangladesh through SKF Pharmaceuticals as a proud moment for the country.
Currently, more than 13 million people in Bangladesh are living with diabetes. This number is projected to rise to approximately 22 million by 2045, increasing the demand for reliable and high-quality treatment.
Novo Nordisk has been supplying insulin in Bangladesh since 1957 and has been producing human insulin vials locally since 2012, exporting them abroad as part of its global manufacturing network.
SKF Pharmaceuticals Limited, a company under Transcom Group, has been producing high-quality medicines since 1990.
DBTech/KIB/EK/OR
