Thermostability of human insulin

Overview

Diabetes is an escalating global health crisis that is expected to impact 1.3 billion people by 2050. Diabetes prevalence is predicted to increase even more steeply in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3% increase in age-standardized mortality rates from diabetes. In lower-middle-income countries, the mortality rate due to diabetes increased by 13%. Of those with diabetes, approximately 9 million people globally live with type 1 diabetes and thus require insulin. In addition, about 60 million people with type 2 diabetes need insulin to achieve optimal glycaemic control, but only about 50% of these individuals are able to access this medication.

This technical brief evaluates the existing evidence regarding the thermostability of insulin and how pharmaceutical companies and health authorities could leverage this knowledge.