Diabetes remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing health challenges. With over 33 million Pakistanis affected, access to reliable and affordable insulin is vital. This guide provides updated details on the top insulin brands, types, market dynamics, regulatory status, and local production as of 2025.
Insulin Types and Leading Brands in Pakistan
Insulin is categorized into human insulin and modern insulin analogues. Both types are widely used in Pakistan depending on the patient’s condition, affordability, and availability.
| Insulin Category | Type | Top Brands in Pakistan | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Insulin | Short-acting (Regular) | Novolin R, Humulin R, DongSulin R | Used for meals; widely available in vials |
| Intermediate-acting (NPH) | Novolin N, Humulin N, Insulatard | Covers basal needs for 12–18 hours | |
| Premixed | Novolin 70/30, Humulin 70/30 | Combines Regular + NPH | |
| Analog Insulin | Long-acting (Glargine) | Lantus (Sanofi), Basagine, Basalin, Gan & Lee Biosimilars | Once-a-day basal control |
| Ultra-long-acting | Tresiba (Novo Nordisk), Levemir (Detemir – limited availability) | Private hospitals and high-end clinics only | |
| Local Innovation | Human Insulin | Ferulin by Ferozsons (Launched 2024) | Affordable recombinant human insulin |
Latest Developments in 2025
DRAP Approvals
- April 2025: DRAP approved Pakistan’s first insulin glargine cartridge biosimilar (by Gan & Lee).
- Biosimilar pre-filled pens and cartridges are now available at lower prices than branded imports.
Local Manufacturing
- Ferulin by Ferozsons Laboratories became Pakistan’s first biotech human insulin produced locally.
- Sanofi and other global firms are filling vials domestically, but formulation remains imported.
Market Dynamics
- Biosimilars from China and Korea are entering the public and private markets.
- Long-acting insulins like glargine are gaining widespread adoption in hospitals.
Procurement and Access
- Punjab’s centralized procurement prefers glargine biosimilars for price efficiency.
- Human insulin remains common in public hospitals due to affordability.
- Patients in rural areas still face supply shortages, especially for insulin analogues.
Price Trends (2025)
| Insulin Brand | Form | Estimated Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Lantus (Glargine) | Vial or Pen | 2,500 – 3,200 |
| Gan & Lee Glargine | Cartridge or Pen | 1,200 – 1,700 |
| DongSulin R (Regular) | Vial | 300 – 500 |
| Ferulin (Human Insulin) | Vial | 350 – 550 |
| Novolin 70/30 | Premixed Vial | 700 – 900 |
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Prices may vary by city and availability.
Key Challenges
- Supply Chain Issues: Import dependency creates regular shortages.
- Pricing Policies: Government price control reduces manufacturer interest in importing.
- Awareness Gaps: Many rural clinics are understocked and lack trained diabetes educators.
Summary & Recommendations
| Area | Insight |
|---|---|
| Best for Basal Needs | Glargine-based analogs (Lantus, Gan & Lee) |
| Best Affordable Option | DongSulin R, Ferulin |
| Most Widely Used | Novolin and Humulin (Human Insulin) |
| Recent Innovation | Ferulin – Pakistan’s first locally made human insulin |
| Regulation Focus | Encouraging biosimilar entry and local formulation |
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s insulin landscape is evolving rapidly. The introduction of biosimilars and local production is expected to reduce costs and improve access. However, consistent policy reforms, stable procurement systems, and patient education will be critical to ensure insulin is affordable and widely available across all regions. Keep visiting: Bloom Pakistan
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