BD inks UAE insulin pen distro deal with Julphar

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Julphar said yesterday it inked a deal with BD (NYSE: BDX) to supply disposable insulin pens to the United Arab Emirates.

Through the deal, individuals will be able to purchase BD’s Vystra disposable pens featuring Julphar’s human insulin formulations, including its Jusline R, Jusline N and Jusline 30/70. The same system is slated to be available for future insulin analogues which are still under development, Julphar said.

The Vystra pens are small, disposable, lightweight plastic handheld devices with pre-filled insulin cartridges designed for insulin injection for individuals living with Diabetes, the company said.

The pens are currently in the final stages of approval, Julphar said, and are slated to be launched as soon as they receive clearance from the Ministry of Health.

“The global diabetes market is large and growing. Through our agreement with BD, we will be able to keep pace with the growth and further improve our position in this lucrative market placing us among the top three players in the world. Many people in the UAE are suffering from what, in some cases, is a preventable condition. As a global leader in the manufacture of insulin, Julphar has a responsibility to not only raise awareness of the risk factors but to provide affordable, effective solutions that help diabetes sufferers live healthy, normal lives. An insulin pen offers more accuracy, convenience and confidence to diabetes sufferers and we look forward to launching these high-tech devices here in the very near future,” Julphar GM Jerome Carle said in a press release.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security issued an advisory warning consumers that BD’s Alaris syringe pumps can be hacked via a vulnerability that gives a remote attacker unauthorized access to the device when it is connected to a terminal server.