Novo Nordisk has announced it will stop producing Levemir (insulin detemir) in the United States by the end of 2024. This is deeply concerning. No other companies produce insulin detemir. If this is not available, it will have a significant negative impact on many people with diabetes.

The company cited as its reasons "global manufacturing issues, decreasing patient coverage, and because we are confident that patients in the U.S. will be able to find alternative treatments." This last phrase, regarding finding alternative treatments, is not currently going to happen in a satisfactory manner.

Levemir is a unique long-acting insulin that is well-suited for frequent adjustments in dosage as needed to account for exercise, hormones, or general insulin resistance/sensitivity. This flexibility makes it unlike the other long-acting insulins currently available.

Without Levemir, there will only be two basal/long acting insulin options:

1. Lantus (insulin glargine) and its biosimilars: Basaglar, Semglee, Rezvoglar, and Toujeo U300
2. Tresiba (insulin degludec)

In addition to the fact that these options are longer-acting and do not offer the flexibility in dosing that Levemir provides, both insulin glargine and insulin degludec have known side effects. If someone does not tolerate these two insulins, they will be forced to use an insulin pump, which entails a much higher monthly cost and has a large learning curve to operate--not to mention that some individuals would prefer not to use a pump due to activity level, skin issues, or other factors.

We urge Novo Nordisk, as a responsible pharmaceutical company dedicated to changing diabetes outcomes, not to discontinue supplying insulin detemir (Levemir). It's about preserving quality of life and ensuring that everyone has access to the medications they need.

Please sign this petition and join us in urging Novo Nordisk to continue supplying Levemir worldwide.