This will be the highest capacity long-acting insulin pen to be available commercially, according to a company press release.
The Max SoloStar pen holds more than 900 units of insulin glargine and can provide up to 160 units/mL in a single injection, which may reduce the number of injections needed to deliver the necessary dosage to adults. Another benefit of the higher capacity is that the device will require fewer refills and the associated copays, which could potentially lower costs for patients, depending on their insurance coverage.
Sanofi
Max SoloStar pen holds more than 900 units of insulin glargine.
The dosing instructions for insulin glargine vary depending on whether patients use the older SoloStar or the high capacity Max SoloStar. The SoloStar holds 450 units (1.5mL) of insulin glargine and delivers doses in 1 unit increments, delivering a maximum dose of 80 units per injection. The MaxSoloStar has twice the capacity of the original – 900 units (3 mL) of insulin glargine – and delivers doses in 2 unit increments up to a maximum 160 unit injection. This is recommended for patients who require at least 20 units per day. All insulin glargine injections should be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or deltoid at the same time each day.
The most common side effect of insulin products, such as insulin glargine, is hypoglycemia.
The Max SoloStar will be available in retail pharmacies throughout the United States in the third quarter of 2018.