Novo Nordisk Awarded Department of Veterans Affairs National Insulin Contract

PRINCETON, N.J., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company and leader in diabetes care, announced it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as the primary source provider of insulin. The one year contract began on March 1, 2010 and the VA has the option to renew the contract annually for up to an additional four years.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020404/NVOLOGO)

"We are very proud to continue our work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to supply innovative insulins to the VA patients who rely on our products," said Andy Ajello, vice president of National Diabetes Sales, Novo Nordisk Inc. "Novo Nordisk has supported the Veterans Administration for the past 10 years as the primary supplier of insulin and we look forward to working together to serve VA physicians and patients."

The contract provides Novo Nordisk with the opportunity to supply human insulin, NovoLog® Mix 70/30 (70% insulin aspart protamine suspension and 30% insulin aspart injection, [rDNA origin]), and NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) to the VA, which has an overall patient enrollment of more than eight million. Under this agreement, The Department of Defense, Indian Health Services and The Bureau of Prisons will also have access to the national contract pricing.

About NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection)

NovoLog® is a man-made insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Important Safety Information

Do not take NovoLog® if your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to anything in NovoLog®. If you take too much NovoLog® your blood sugar may fall too low.

NovoLog® is a fast-acting insulin. You should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after using NovoLog® to avoid low blood sugar. Do not inject NovoLog® if you do not plan to eat right after using NovoLog®. Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your health care provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels. Alcohol, including beer and wine, may affect your blood sugar when you take NovoLog®.

Do not change the type of insulin you use unless told to do so by your health care provider. The amount of insulin you take as well as the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take a different type of insulin.

Do not mix NovoLog® with any other insulins when used in a pump or with any insulins other than NPH when used with injections by syringe.

Needles and NovoLog® FlexPen® must not be shared.

Tell your health care provider about all medicines you take and all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your NovoLog® dose may change if you take other medicines.

NovoLog® has not been studied in children with type 2 diabetes or in children with type 1 diabetes under the age of two.

The most common side effect of NovoLog® is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Other possible side effects include reactions at the injection site (like redness, swelling and itching), and allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you experience signs of serious allergic reaction such as body rash, trouble with your breathing, fast heartbeat, or sweating. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Prescribing information for NovoLog® is available by contacting Novo Nordisk or visiting http://www.novolog.com.

About NovoLog® Mix 70/30 (70% insulin aspart protamine suspension and 30% insulin aspart injection, [rDNA origin])

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 (70% insulin aspart protamine suspension and 30% insulin aspart injection, [rDNA origin]) is a man-made insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in adults with diabetes mellitus.

Important Safety Information

Do not use NovoLog® Mix 70/30 if your blood glucose is too low (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to anything in NovoLog® Mix 70/30.  If you take too much NovoLog® Mix 70/30 your blood sugar may fall too low.

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is a pre-mixed insulin. You should eat a meal within 15 minutes after using NovoLog® Mix 70/30 to avoid low blood sugar. Do not inject NovoLog® Mix 70/30 if you are not planning to eat within 15 minutes.  Check your blood glucose regularly. Ask your health care provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels. Alcohol, including beer and wine, may affect your blood sugar when you take NovoLog® Mix 70/30.

Do not change the type of insulin you use unless told to do so by your health care provider. The amount of insulin you take as well as the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take a different type of insulin.

Never mix NovoLog® Mix 70/30 with other insulin products or use it in an insulin pump.

Needles and NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® must not be shared.

Tell your health care provider about all medicines you take and all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your NovoLog® Mix 70/30 dose may change if you take other medicines.

The most common side effect of insulin therapy, including NovoLog® Mix 70/30, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Other possible side effects include reactions at the injection site (like redness, swelling and itching), and allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you experience signs of serious allergic reaction such as body rash, trouble with your breathing, fast heartbeat, or sweating. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Prescribing information for NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is available by contacting Novo Nordisk or visiting http://www.novologmix70-30.com.

For more information about the products, visit www.novonordiskcare.com.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 87 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone therapy for women. Novo Nordisk's business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to social responsibility to employees and customers, environmental soundness and economic success. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 29,300 employees in 76 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchange in Copenhagen and its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NVO). For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk