Bangladesh to manufacture advanced insulin

 Novo Nordisk, the world’s leading insulin manufacturer will transfer Danish advanced state-of-the-art insulin devices manufacturing technology to Bangladesh, said a statement.

Mr Anand Shetty, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk Bangladesh and Ms Simeen Hossain, Managing Director of Eskayef Pharmaceutical Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard to set-up local manufacturing of human and modern insulin in cartridges in the presence of Zahid Malik, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

Mr Zahid Malik said: “Diabetes, one of the non-communicable diseases, poses a big threat to sustainable development. The growing number of patients living with diabetes is in constant need of proper care and timely treatment including the need for quality insulin supply at affordable price.”

“The partnership between Novo Nordisk and Eskayef will benefit all patients living with diabetes in Bangladesh. It will help the government to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030 as set by the United Nations, the Minister said.

“As part of our continuous commitment for people living with diabetes in Bangladesh for more than 60 years, we have decided to set-up local manufacturing of insulin for advanced pens in partnership with our trusted partner Eskayef,” said Ms Sebnem Avsar Tuna, Corporate Vice-President for Novo Nordisk’s Business Area Oceania and South East Asia.

Speaking on the occasion, Latifur Rahman, chairman, Transcom Group said: Transfer of Danish state-of-the-art modern insulin manufacturing technology is a matter of pride, not only for Eskayef but for the whole country. It has only been made possible due to Eskayef’s proven track record of strict adherence to quality. This technology transfer will help the people of Bangladesh in their fight against diabetes with world’s best Insulin products manufactured right here in our own country.”

“The partnership will further strengthen the bilateral relation between Denmark and Bangladesh. It is a historic event and Denmark is proud to be a partner and contribute to the advancement of this sector in Bangladesh,” said the Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mikael Hemniti Winther.

Major General Dr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Director General of Directorate General of Drug Administration said the joint venture is the reflection of DGDA’s effort to bring high technology to the country for insulin production. 

Lars Bo Smidt, Corporate Vice-President, Finance and Operations for Novo Nordisk’s Africa, Asia, Middle East and Oceania regions; S. M. Shafiuzzaman, General Secretary, Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries; Kazi M. Aminul Islam, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Professor AK Azad Khan, President of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh and Roxana Quader, Additional Secretary (Public Health and World health Organization), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were present at the programme.

 -rmc//