What is Lantus Solostar?
Lantus Solostar is a prefilled insulin glargine injection. It is a long-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with diabetes [1]. The Solostar pen is a disposable device that contains Lantus insulin and is designed for ease of use, allowing patients to administer their daily insulin dose without needing to draw it from a vial [2].
How does Lantus Solostar work?
Lantus Solostar contains insulin glargine, a man-made version of human insulin. It works by lowering blood glucose by helping move sugar from the blood into the body's tissues. It also stops the liver from making more sugar [1]. Insulin glargine is considered a basal (long-acting) insulin, providing a steady insulin level over approximately 24 hours [3].
How is Lantus Solostar different from Lantus?
Lantus is the brand name for insulin glargine. Lantus Solostar is a specific delivery device for Lantus. Essentially, Lantus refers to the active pharmaceutical ingredient (insulin glargine), while Lantus Solostar is a prefilled pen containing that ingredient. Other Lantus insulin products may be available in vials for use with syringes, or in different prefilled pen formats [2].
When does Lantus Solostar's patent expire?
The patent landscape for Lantus, including its delivery devices, is complex and involves multiple patents covering the drug substance, formulations, and delivery systems. Patent expiry dates can vary, and some patents may have already expired while others remain in effect. Information on specific patent expiry dates can be found on patent databases and resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
What are the alternatives to Lantus Solostar?
Alternatives to Lantus Solostar include other long-acting insulin glargine products (which may come in different pens or vials), or other classes of long-acting insulins such as insulin detemir or insulin degludec. Additionally, individuals with diabetes may use rapid-acting insulins, intermediate-acting insulins, or combination insulins depending on their treatment regimen [3]. Biosimilar versions of insulin glargine are also available and may serve as alternatives, with their market entry often linked to patent expiries [5].
Who makes Lantus Solostar?
Lantus and Lantus Solostar are manufactured by Sanofi [1].