Child-Friendly Insulin Pen by Novo Nordisk Clears FDA

Novo Nordisk (Plainsboro, NJ) received FDA clearance for a child-friendly insulin injection pen. The device approval comes as physicians raise concern about a lack of medical devices designed for younger patients and children.

Armed with its latest clearance, the company hopes to commercialize its NovoPen Echo in the U.S. by 2014. The device is marketed as the first FDA-cleared insulin pen device with the ability to adjust dosages in fine increments. In addition, the device includes a memory function that can help patients tack timing for earlier doses.

In particular, the company believes its device will be valuable for children. Features like dosage adjustment and tracking are an effective way to ensure that children maintain their proper medication regimen. In an effort to improve device aesthetics, the company will provide removable skins for the device.

As of now, the device is used in Canada, Israel and Europe. Industry analysts note that the U.S. entry is a smart PR move for the company.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, researchers noted that many children face health risks due to the use of adult-designed medical devices and implants. While many industry players agree that pediatric medical devices are a good thing, there have been clashes with FDA regulators over implementation.

In the meantime, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are developing medical devices that are specifically geared for children and young adults. With its latest product, Novo Nordisk is helping to target this market too.