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NPH insulin (insulin isophane)
NPH insulin binds to insulin receptors on cells to promote glucose uptake and utilization, lowering blood glucose levels.
NPH insulin 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 | NPH insulin (insulin isophane) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Sanofi |
| Drug class | Intermediate-acting insulin |
| Target | Insulin receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin formulation where insulin molecules are complexed with protamine, a basic protein that slows absorption from subcutaneous tissue. This delayed absorption provides a longer duration of action (up to 24 hours) compared to regular insulin, allowing for once or twice daily dosing. The insulin itself activates the insulin receptor, triggering intracellular signaling that increases glucose transport into muscle and adipose tissue 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)
- DECIDE: A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Metformin Versus Insulin for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes (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)
- RCT Glargine vs NPH for Treatment of DM in Pregnancy (PHASE3)
- Effect of Insulin Detemir on Blood Glucose Control in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)
- The Effect of Exercise on Blood Glucose Levels in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: A Comparison of 3 Long-acting Insulins (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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- NPH insulin (insulin isophane) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- NPH insulin (insulin isophane) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Sanofi portfolio CI