NEWS
iNSuliN PeNS geT SAvvy
at Diabetes uk’s annual professionals the designer of the pen, stuart garvin, Lilly still provides prefilled pens, but
conference which took place in manchester is an industrial engineer and is responsible for those who ‘think green’, then these
in mid-march, Lilly launched its latest in for the look, feel and actions of the pen – reusable pens are designed to last up
the humaPen range, the savvio. it’s been for example, the injection mechanism has to six years with far less impact on the
engineered to resemble a small personal an improved, smoother injection force. environment. says stockley, “they’re
accessory rather than a medical device “you can stick it in a jacket pocket, and no really ‘touchable’. they feel more of a
and has been designed following feedback one would know it’s a medical device. it’s quality product and look less medical.”
from people with diabetes who wanted lighter than its predecessor, the action is the pens even comes in a rather
to manage their diabetes discreetly. the smoother when delivering the insulin and snazzy box, so that – like any quality
market research took place in six countries. it’s more accurate. We’ve used darker purchase – the experience is a joy from
the research team spent a day-in-the life inks and added a red dot indicator to help the start. “there are elements of pleasure
with patients in their own homes to gather people give the correct dose. these small all the way through,” says garvin, “the
real-life understanding of how they use but significant improvements. They’re also only problem is you might have problems
their insulin devices and the challenges highly durable.” choosing which colour to go for.”
they face.
the humaPen savvio is easy to dial
and dose and features smooth glide force
an easy-to-use cartridge holder. it comes
in blue, graphite, green, silver, pink and
red and is available for use with Lilly’s
3ml insulin cartridges, which include the
humalog and humulin brands of insulin
and doses from 1 to 60 units in one-
unit increments (a half-unit option may
come later). It comes with an insufficient
remaining dose feature that prevents the
user from dialing more units than those
remaining in the cartridge. the cartridge
changing mechanism is also easier – just
twist and click. It fits any brand of pen
needle.
“I want my patients to feel confident
about managing their condition and
being able to get on with everyday living,”
says susan stockley, Lead Diabetes
specialist nurse from east surrey
hospital. “People with diabetes handle
their devices every day and to some,
the device reminds them that they are
on important medication and ‘different’.
this new insulin pen blends in with their
accessories and feels personalised, plus
the size means they can be more discreet
when administering.” To get a HumaPen Savvio, speak to your diabetes nurse.