Ryzodeg, a combination of ultra-long acting and rapid-acting insulin (70% insulin degludec /30% insulin aspart, IDegAsp), has been listed on the PBS from 1 August.

Indicated for use in adults with diabetes, the long duration of action beyond 24 hours for insulin degludec, means that the combination can be delivered as a once-daily injection, according to manufacturer Novo Nordisk.

In a statement the company said Ryzodeg 70/30 provides a way to deliver ultra-long acting basal insulin and a mealtime insulin in one pen and avoids the need for multiple daily injections.

Professor Greg Fulcher, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney and Clinical Director of Chronic Medicine for Northern Sydney Local Health District said multiple daily injections could be a barrier to adherence for some people with diabetes,

“So having an option that provides both types of insulin in one injection is a welcome addition to the options we can offer our patients,” he said.

Ryzodeg 70/30 is delivered via FlexTouch a new prefilled pen with no push button extension, which allows 1 to 80 units of insulin to be delivered with a single press.

The listing was welcomed by Diabetes Australia, which noted that Ryzodeg has also been demonstrated to reduce hypoglycaemic incidents by up to 20%.

It is expected that around 23,700 patients will benefit from the listing

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the listing of Ryzodeg at its March 2018 meeting, on the basis that it was cost effective in comparison to biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30).