Wockhardt launches India’s first automatic insulin delivery device and
recombinant insulin cartridge
Third generation automatic device almost painless, customised for Indian patients

February 14, 2005

Pharmaceutical major Wockhardt Limited today announced the launch of India’s first automatic insulin delivery device specially designed for the convenience of Indian diabetic patients.

Wockhardt has become the first company in India to design, develop, manufacture and market the high technology insulin cartridges, the heart of the pen device, which makes insulin injection almost painless and more convenient.

“It was only 18 months ago since we launched Wosulin, Asia’s first recombinant insulin,” Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala said. “Wosulin made insulin more affordable and helped expand usage among Indian diabetics by 20%. We have now developed Wosulin Cartridge at our Biotech Park. Our cartridge, coupled with the pen, will not only offer great convenience of the device, it will be more affordable too.”

Wosulin Pen has a unique dial system, which can select the right dose of insulin. “All the patient has to do is to press an automatic plunger to deliver insulin just under the skin. Since it is like a normal pen, it can be carried easily and its usage could be quite discreet. It will be a boon for diabetic patients who are on the move,” Mr. Khorakiwala said.

Cartridge
Wosulin cartridges being manufactured at the Wockhardt Biotech Park in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, which the President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, inaugurated in September 2004. Wockhardt has developed the high technology rubber bung that enables injection of the exact amount of insulin required by the patient.

Pen
Wosulin Pen, using third generation technology, has been specially designed and manufactured for Wockhardt in UK. The pens have been put through rigorous tests and have been certified under ISO 11608.

The pen has been coloured in orange and green, improving the visibility for diabetic patients. Unlike the imported pens sold in India, which have manual plungers, Wosulin Pens have automatic plungers, requiring less pressure to inject, making it very convenient for patients with arthritis and those with small fingers. The automatic plunger and the 6 mm needle makes the injection almost painless and ensures that insulin is injected into the subcutaneous region as desired, and not into the muscular region.

Customer Care
For the first time in India, Wockhardt has provided an instruction manual in 10 Indian languages. A dedicated website www.wockhardtdiabetic.com gives latest information on diabetes to Indian patients and their relatives in 9 Indian languages besides English.

Wockhardt's representative will provide personalised care to the patient by demonstrating the usage of Wosulin Pen after a doctor prescribes it. As part of the introductory offer, two needles will be provided free of cost with each Wosulin Pen.

Wockhardt Limited is a technology-oriented pharmaceutical company and a front-runner in biotechnology. Wockhardt has an active multi-disciplinary research programme employing 400 scientists. Its new drug discovery programme has yielded several promising new molecules, one of which has completed Phase I Human clinical trials. Half of Wockhardt’s revenue comes from United States and the European Union.