MEDIA RELEASE PR36707
Novo Nordisk Wins Design Award for NovoTwist(TM) Needle
COPENHAGEN, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Novo Nordisk has been awarded a Good Design Award(TM)(1) for
NovoTwist(TM), the new needle designed for use with the insulin delivery
device FlexPen(R). The needle, which has a simple 'just twist' attachment
and detachment, makes injection easier for people with diabetes.
The Good Design Award(TM) (also known as G-Mark Award)(1) from the Japan
Industrial Design Promotion Organization is a mark of true quality and gives
recognition to the uniqueness of NovoTwist(TM). Nearly 3,000 entries were
narrowed down by the judging panel and NovoTwist(TM) was selected for an
award in the 'Society - Medical Equipment' section.(1) Previous winners of
the Good Design Award(TM) include Apple, Toshiba, Toyota and Nintendo.
The Good Design Award(TM)(1) highlights the unique design features of
NovoTwist(TM). The judges specifically commented that "Conventional screw
thread needles can be difficult to attach and detach, especially for
the elderly, as limited manual dexterity and hand strength make the
circular motion of screw attachment/detachment challenging. NovoTwist(TM)
has solved this problem with a simple functional design with a push-and-
twist needle attachment/detachment system."
When used with FlexPen(R), three out of four patients prefer
NovoTwist(TM) to conventional needles,(2) and patients find NovoTwist(TM)
easier to use, less timeconsuming and more user-friendly than conventional
needles.(2,3) These benefits may be important to people with diabetes who
seek easier and more discreet methods of self-administering insulin.
"Given the general anxiety that some people with diabetes can suffer when
using any injection device, the new developments with NovoTwist(TM) are a big
step forward in terms of user-friendliness," says diabetes nurse Barbel
Sommavilla (Diabetes Education Center, Salzburg, Austria) who was
involved in a key study assessing patients' preference for insulin pen
needles. According to Sommavilla et al 2008, the needle is preferred by
people with diabetes.(2)
Novo Nordisk has a long tradition of innovative design. In 2005, the
insulin pen NovoPen(R)(4) was also given a Good Design Award(TM),(4) and in
2007, the pen was winner of a red dot product design award.(5) Last year, the
NovoFine(R) Autocover(R) needle from Novo Nordisk was awarded a Medical
Design Excellence Award.(6)
About NovoTwist(TM)
NovoTwist(TM) comes in 5 mm (32G Tip) and 8 mm (30G), and its novel
bayonet fitting allows the user to twist the needle onto FlexPen(R). An
audible and tactile 'click' confirms attachment of the needle. An integral
glue tower minimises the risk of needle breakage, and short, thin needles
ensure safe insulin deposition and reduce injection pain and bruising.(7-11)
For more information on NovoTwist(TM), please visit
About the Good Design Award(TM)
The Good Design Awards is a comprehensive programme for the evaluation
and encouragement of design, organised by Japan Industrial Design Promotion
Organization. The award's parent organisation is the Good Design Products
Selection System (commonly known as the G-Mark system), established in 1957
by the then Ministry of International Trade and Industry (the current
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).
For more information on the G-Mark Awards, please visit
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes
care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as
haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement
therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and
services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical
profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk
employs more than 28,500 employees in 81 countries, and markets its products
in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges
in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
References
2. Sommavilla et al. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2008; 9: 2223-32.
3. Lytzen & Ostfeldt. American Diabetes Association 69th Scientific
Sessions; 2009; 1985-PO.
5. Data on file, Novo Nordisk A/S.
7. Hofman et al. Diabet Med 2007; 24: 1400-5.
8. Birkebaek et al. Diabet Care 2008; 31: e65.
9. Solvig et al. Diabetes 2001; 50 (Suppl. 2): A123.
10. Iwanaga & Kamoi. Diabetes Technol Ther 2009; 11: 81-6.
11. McKay et al. Diabetes Technol Ther 2009; 11: 195-201.
SOURCE: Novo Nordisk
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