Pharmacology of insulin detemir.
Insulin detemir (Levemir [Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark]) is a soluble, long-acting basal insulin analog. It differs from human insulin in that the amino acid threonine in position B30 has been removed and a 14-carbon fatty acid (myristic acid) has been acylated to lysine at B29. This modification increases self-association and enables albumin binding of insulin detemir. In this manuscript, the unique molecular properties and the resulting pharmacodynamics of insulin detemir are reviewed. The protracted duration of action, smooth activity profile, and low intrapatient variability of insulin detemir are presented as properties that may potentially help patients maximize glycemic control and minimize the long-term complications of diabetes.
Kurtzhals
Peter
P
Diabetes Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Copenhagen, Denmark. pkur@novonordisk.com
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069057:Insulin Detemir; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting; D000069057:Insulin Detemir