Eskayef, Novo Nordisk announce local production of modern insulin cartridges

Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Novo Nordisk Bangladesh have announced the start of local production of modern insulin cartridges (Penfill) in Bangladesh at 18% reduced price through technology transfer from Denmark under a contract manufacturing partnership.

The initiative, titled "Sabas Bangladesh: Accelerating Access of Modern Insulin through Technology Transfer from Denmark", marks a milestone aimed at improving access to high-quality diabetes treatment and strengthening Bangladesh's biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.

Novo Nordisk Bangladesh has been importing modern insulin products such as NovoMix and NovoRapid from its Danish parent company, a global leader in insulin production, for the past two decades.

Under the new arrangement, these products will now be manufactured locally using the same technology and global standards.

For the first time in Bangladesh, premix and rapid-acting insulin cartridges will be produced domestically under international manufacturing protocols.

Each batch will be quality-tested and verified in Denmark to ensure compliance with Novo Nordisk's global standards.

Health Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain said the initiative reflects progress in advancing biopharmaceutical capabilities and ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines.

He said it would contribute to greater self-reliance in the health sector.

Director General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration, Major General Md Shameem Haidar, said the collaboration reinforces the importance of maintaining strict standards of quality, safety, and efficacy for complex biologic medicines such as insulin.

Denmark's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Christian Brix Møller, said the partnership demonstrates how Danish innovation can improve access to quality healthcare while strengthening local manufacturing capacity.

Novo Nordisk Bangladesh Managing Director Dr Riad Mamun Prodhani said the partnership will expand access to modern insulin in the country.

He also announced an 18% price reduction for NovoMix and NovoRapid, while maintaining global quality standards.

Bangladesh has around 1.3 crore people living with diabetes, a number projected to rise to about 2.2 crore by 2045, highlighting the growing demand for affordable and reliable treatment options.

Novo Nordisk has been operating in Bangladesh since 1957 and has worked with local partners to improve diabetes care.

Eskayef Pharmaceuticals, part of Transcom Group, has been manufacturing medicines since 1990 and is among the country's leading drug makers.