India's first 24-hour diabetes drug

Basalog is the first diabetic drug whose effect lasts a full 24 hours. It is effective for both type one and type two diabetics. Read more about the miracle drug...

Biotechnology firm Biocon Ltd on Friday unveiled a new drug to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels.

The product, Basalog, is the first diabetic drug whose effect lasts a full 24 hours, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw told reporters here.

The drug will be available in Indian market from Saturday in 10ml and 3ml vials.

Basalog is effective for both type one and type two diabetics, Mazumdar-Shaw said.

"Diabetes is a debilitating disease, affecting global population like a pandemic. Sadly India is the epicentre of the disease. Basalog is part of Biocon's commitment to provide best of diabetes management and care in India," she said.

"The prominent feature of Basalog is that it has 24-hour long peek less action, the first in the country. It ensures effective HbA1c control and has flexibility of injection timing, unlike other insulin," added Mazumdar-Shaw.

HbA1c is a diagnostic test to ascertain the patient's blood glucose level for a three-month period.

According to statistics, India has the largest diabetic population in the world with around 40 million people.

"The drug is also priced at an affordable rate for Indian patients," he added.

The price of 10ml vial is Rs 2,500.