The German medical packaging company Gerresheimer has set up a new facility for medical plastic systems in Indaiatuba (Brazil). The plant will begin operation early this year. It will produce components for insulin pen systems for diabetics for Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk under a long-standing agreement.
Insulin pens are drug-delivery devices in ballpoint pen format, which allow diabetes patients to inject themselves safely and almost painlessly.
Novo Nordisk has a large insulin plant in Brazil, which will in future be supplied locally by the Gerresheimer Group's new technology centre. This is Gerresheimer's fourth production plant in South America in addition to two existing plants for standardised pharma plastic packaging in Brazil and Argentina.
Apart from the new production facility in Brazil, Gerresheimer already has two other production facilities for pen systems in Europe.
"Cooperation with Novo Nordisk in Brazil is of substantial strategic importance for us. We support the customer in developing new markets and at the same time expand our technological base in South America," said Gerresheimer ceo Axel Herberg.
Owen Mumford signs three-year insulin pen contract with Sanofi Aventis
In a separate announcement, Owen Mumford, a UK manufacturer of medical devices for diabetes based in Woodstock, has signed a three-year supply agreement with Sanofi Aventis.
The contract is for the supply of the Autopen 24 reusable insulin pen for use with Sanofi Aventis" insulin cartridges, which will then be supplied to more than 60 countries.
The Autopen has a conveniently positioned side release button that is gently pressed and held to deliver the insulin dose. It is compatible with most leading brands of pen needle including Unifine Pentips.
Adam Mumford, sales and marketing director at Owen Mumford, said: "This new agreement with Sanofi Aventis is a strong endorsement of the ease of use and effectiveness of Autopen 24 in assisting patients in the management of their diabetes. Sanofi Aventis wants to provide maximum patient choice in the selection of the most appropriate insulin pen to suit individual needs and our partnership helps them achieve this goal."