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insulin NPH
Insulin NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that binds to insulin receptors on cells to promote glucose uptake and utilization, lowering blood glucose levels.
Insulin NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that binds to insulin receptors on cells to promote glucose uptake and utilization, lowering blood glucose levels. Used for Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | insulin NPH |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Insulin Insulatard, Novolin, Humulin, Insulatard® 100 IU/mL |
| Sponsor | Novo Nordisk A/S |
| Drug class | Intermediate-acting insulin |
| Target | Insulin receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Insulin NPH (isophane insulin) is a suspension of insulin crystals complexed with protamine, which slows insulin absorption and extends its duration of action to 10-16 hours. It mimics the basal insulin secretion pattern of the pancreas, allowing sustained glucose control between meals and overnight. The drug works by activating insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells to increase glucose uptake and storage while suppressing hepatic glucose production.
Approved indications
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Hypoglycemia
- Weight gain
- Injection site reactions
- Lipodystrophy
Key clinical trials
- Impact on Birth Weight of Two Therapeutic Strategies (Insulin Therapy From the Beginning of Pregnancy vs. Insulin Therapy Initiated According to Fetal Growth Evaluated by Ultrasonography Measurements) in Pregnant Women With Monogenic Diabetes (NA)
- Glycemic Control After Antenatal Corticosteroids in Women With Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes (PHASE2)
- DECIDE: A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Metformin Versus Insulin for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes (PHASE4)
- Human Versus Analogue Insulin for Youth With Type 1 Diabetes in Low-Resource Settings (PHASE4)
- Patient Versus Provider-led Titration of Insulin for Glycemic Control in Gestational Diabetes (EMPOWER) (PHASE4)
- Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of GLARGEN® Versus NPH Insulin in Diabetic Tunisian Patients. (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Thrice-Daily Premixed Human Insulin with Basal-Bolus Therapy Among Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (PHASE4)
- Comparative Efficacy of a Two Daily Mixed Insulin Injection Versus a Basal-bolus Scheme With Human Insulin (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |