Mumbai: Pharmaceutical major Wockhardt Limited has announced the launch of India''s first automatic insulin delivery device designed for diabetic patients.

With the launch of this product, Wockhardt has become the first company in India to design, develop, manufacture and market the high technology insulin cartridges — the heart of the pen device, which makes insulin injection almost painless and more convenient. The pen device is priced at Rs1,099 and the cartridge Rs169

"It was only 18 months ago since we launched Wosulin, Asia''s first recombinant insulin," Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala said. "Wosulin made insulin more affordable and helped expand usage among Indian diabetics by 20per cent. We have now developed the ''Wosulin cartridge'' at our Biotech Park. Our cartridge, coupled with the pen, will not only offer great convenience of the device, it will be more affordable too."

The ''Wosulin pen'' has a unique dial system, which can select the right dose of insulin. "All the patient has to do is to press an automatic plunger to deliver insulin just under the skin. Since it is like a normal pen, it can be carried easily and its usage could be quite discreet. It will be a boon for diabetic patients who are on the move," Khorakiwala said.

The cartridges are manufactured at the Wockhardt Biotech Park in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, which Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, had inaugurated in September 2004. Wockhardt has developed the high technology rubber bung that enables injection of the exact amount of insulin required by the patient.

The injecting device, using third generation technology, has been specially designed and manufactured for Wockhardt in UK. The pens have been certified under ISO 11608.

The pen has been coloured in orange and green, improving the visibility for diabetic patients. Unlike the imported pens sold in India, which have manual plungers, Wosulin pens have automatic plungers, requiring less pressure to inject, making it very convenient for patients with arthritis and those with small fingers.

The automatic plunger and the 6 mm needle makes the injection almost painless and ensures that insulin is injected into the subcutaneous region as desired, and not into the muscular region.

Wockhardt has provided an instruction manual in 10 Indian languages and put up a dedicated website www.wockhardtdiabetic.com tp provide the latest information on diabetes to Indian patients and their relatives in 9 Indian languages besides English.

As part of the introductory offer, the company is providing two needles free of cost with each Wosulin pen.