Insulin Aspart (insulin aspart)
Insulin Aspart is a rapid-acting (prandial) recombinant human insulin analog, 100 units/ml (u-100); a faster-acting formulation is marketed as fiasp from Novo Nordisk, marketed originally as NovoRapid. This monograph covers approved indications, mechanism, dosing, side effects, the generic manufacturer landscape and verified list prices.
Overview
Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin - a recombinant human insulin analogue that starts working within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected immediately before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal and is always used together with an intermediate- or long-acting background insulin. Novo Nordisk markets it as NovoRapid in Asia and Europe and as NovoLog in the United States; the same molecule reformulated for an even faster onset is sold as Fiasp.
The molecule is produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and differs from regular human insulin by a single substitution: proline at position B28 becomes aspartic acid. That change reduces the tendency to self-associate into hexamers, so the analogue is absorbed more quickly from the subcutaneous depot. Onset is within about 5 minutes, peak effect occurs at 1 to 3 hours, and glucose lowering lasts 3 to 5 hours; the median time to maximum concentration is 40 to 50 minutes against 80 to 120 minutes for regular human insulin. Fiasp adds niacinamide, which accelerates initial absorption, and L-arginine for stability.
Doses are individualised: the total daily requirement is usually 0.5 to 1.0 units/kg/day, with 50 to 70% of it given as mealtime insulin. It may also be infused by an external insulin pump, where the reservoir is changed at least every 6 days and the infusion set and site at least every 3 days, or given intravenously under medical supervision.
Hypoglycaemia is the most common adverse effect, and severe allergy, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, pruritus, hypokalaemia and thiazolidinedione-associated fluid retention also occur. Copies are biosimilars: Sanofi's Merilog was approved on 14 February 2025 as the first NovoLog biosimilar but is not interchangeable, while Biocon's Kirsty, approved on 15 July 2025, is the first and only interchangeable rapid-acting insulin aspart and may be substituted at the pharmacy. Unopened vials, cartridges and pens must be refrigerated at 2-8 degrees C and never frozen; an in-use pen is kept below 30 degrees C and discarded after 28 days.
Insulin Aspart price list — Bangladesh
Every DGDA-registered brand of this molecule with its list unit price, including the originator for comparison. Bangladesh is the most transparent reference market for on-patent generics.
| Brand | Manufacturer | Strength | Unit price | ≈ USD | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glyset Mix | Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 100 IU/ml SC Injection | — | — | — |
| Rapilog | Square Pharmaceuticals PLC | 100 IU/ml SC Injection | — | — | — |
| Fiasp FlexTouch Originator | Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd | 100 IU/ml SC Injection | — | — | 5's pack: ৳ 4,750.00 |
Source: MedEx Bangladesh drug registry (list prices of DGDA-registered brands). Unit prices move with pack size, pharmacy and exchange rate — reference only. Original registry page
How it works
Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin.
Insulin aspart is produced by recombinant DNA technology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and differs from regular human insulin by a single substitution of proline with aspartic acid at position B28. This reduces the tendency of the molecule to self-associate into hexamers, so it is absorbed more quickly from the subcutaneous depot. It binds the insulin receptor and produces the same metabolic effects as human insulin, stimulating peripheral glucose uptake and inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Onset of action is within about 5 minutes, the peak glucose-lowering effect occurs in 1 to 3 hours, and the duration of glucose lowering is 3 to 5 hours; the median time to maximum insulin concentration is 40 to 50 minutes compared with 80 to 120 minutes for regular human insulin. Fiasp contains the identical insulin aspart molecule reformulated with two additional excipients, niacinamide (which accelerates initial absorption) and L-arginine (which stabilises the formulation), giving an even earlier onset. Insulin aspart has low plasma protein binding (0-9%).
Approved indications
- To improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus (NovoLog, US label)
- Given subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal as part of a regimen that also includes an intermediate- or long-acting insulin
- May be infused subcutaneously by an external insulin pump (change the reservoir at least every 6 days and the infusion set and site at least every 3 days)
- May be administered intravenously under medical supervision for glycemic control, with close monitoring of blood glucose and potassium levels
Dosage & administration
The dose must be individualized. The total daily insulin requirement is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 units/kg/day; in a meal-related subcutaneous regimen, 50 to 70% of the total insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog, with the remainder provided by an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. Inject subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal. In a pump, change the NovoLog in the reservoir at least every 6 days and change the infusion set and the insertion site at least every 3 days; do not mix NovoLog with other insulins or a diluent when it is used in a pump. For intravenous use, use concentrations of 0.05 to 1.0 units/mL in polypropylene infusion bags. Because of its more rapid onset and shorter duration of activity than regular human insulin, some patients may need more basal insulin and more total insulin to prevent pre-meal hyperglycemia; doses should be changed only under medical supervision.
Dose adjustment
Individualize the dose based on blood glucose monitoring, meal size and composition, physical activity and illness. Insulin requirements may be reduced in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment; changes in insulin dose should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Because insulin aspart acts faster and for a shorter time than regular human insulin, the dosing algorithm used for regular insulin cannot simply be transferred - pre-meal boluses must be given immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before the meal, and a longer-acting insulin is still needed in type 1 diabetes and may also be needed in type 2 diabetes. Co-administration with drugs that affect glucose metabolism (for example corticosteroids, diuretics, sympathomimetics, or conversely ACE inhibitors, fibrates, salicylates, monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may require dose adjustment.
Side effects
Hypoglycemia - the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy · Local injection site reactions (redness, pain, itching, urticaria, edema, inflammation) · Lipodystrophy at injection sites · Rash · Pruritus · Hypokalemia (shift of potassium into cells, particularly with intravenous use or in poor glycemic control)
- Allergic reactions, including severe, life-threatening generalized allergy and anaphylaxis
- Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant thiazolidinediones (PPAR-gamma agonists)
Monitoring
- Blood glucose self-monitoring and HbA1c; glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes
- Potassium and glucose levels when insulin aspart is given intravenously (risk of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia)
- Injection and infusion sites - rotate sites to reduce lipodystrophy; change pump reservoirs at least every 6 days and infusion sets and sites at least every 3 days
- Signs of hypoglycemia; requirements may fall with renal or hepatic impairment and with changes in meal pattern or physical activity
- Signs and symptoms of heart failure in patients also taking a thiazolidinedione
Generic and biosimilar landscape
Insulin aspart copies are biosimilars, not generics: as biologic products they are approved on evidence of high similarity to NovoLog rather than on chemical identity. The US pathway has produced two distinct products. Sanofi's Merilog / Merilog SoloStar (insulin aspart-szjj) was approved on 14 February 2025 as the first FDA-approved biosimilar to NovoLog, with drug substance and drug product manufactured at Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland in Frankfurt, Germany, and it carries biosimilar (not interchangeable) status. Biocon Biologics' Kirsty (insulin aspart-xjhz) was approved on 15 July 2025 as the first and only interchangeable rapid-acting insulin aspart in the United States, meaning it can be substituted for NovoLog at the pharmacy; the same Biocon product was authorised in the EU as Kixelle. Interchangeability is a formal regulatory designation - without it, a pharmacist generally may not substitute a biosimilar for the prescribed originator. As with all insulins, the label warns that changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type or method of administration may affect glycemic control and should be made under medical supervision with increased glucose monitoring.
Who makes it
| Manufacturer | Country | Brand | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanofi | France (drug substance and product manufactured in Frankfurt am Main, Germany) | Merilog and Merilog SoloStar (insulin aspart-szjj) | 100 units/mL (U-100) 10 mL multiple-dose vial; 3 mL single-patient-use prefilled pen | FDA-approved 14 February 2025 as the first biosimilar to NovoLog. Biosimilar status only - it is not designated interchangeable, so pharmacy-level substitution for NovoLog is not a |
| Biocon Biologics | India (drug substance and product manufactured at Biocon's Malaysian facility) | Kirsty (insulin aspart-xjhz) in the US; Kixelle in the EU | 100 units/mL (U-100) solution for injection | EC approval for Kixelle; US FDA approval on 15 July 2025 as the first and only interchangeable rapid-acting insulin aspart, making Biocon the only company with two FDA-approved int |
| Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals | China | Rapilin (insulin aspart); Rapilin 30 (insulin aspart 30 premix) | 100 IU/mL cartridge and prefilled pen | Fast-acting insulin aspart cartridge received NPRA (Malaysia) marketing approval announced June 2025, following NPRA approvals for insulin glargine (February 2025) and insulin aspa |
| Square Pharmaceuticals PLC | Bangladesh | Rapilog (insulin aspart) | 100 IU/mL | Locally marketed rapid-acting insulin aspart listed on MedEx with prices - 3 mL vial BDT 460, 3 mL pen BDT 560. Useful as a low-cost benchmark in a South Asian market. |
| Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Bangladesh | Glyset Mix (insulin aspart) | 100 IU/mL | Locally marketed insulin aspart listed on MedEx with prices - 3 mL PenSet BDT 550, 3 mL vial BDT 450. |
Availability in Southeast Asia
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | available | Gan & Lee's fast-acting insulin aspart cartridge received marketing approval from Malaysia's NPRA (announced June 2025), completing registration of basal, fast-acting and premixed insulin analogs in the country after approvals for insulin glargine (February 2025) and insulin aspart 30 (March 2025). |
| Indonesia | available | Locally filled insulin aspart (5 prefilled pens) developed by Gan & Lee with an Indonesian partner was approved by the Indonesian Ministry of Health (announced December 2022); biosimilar insulins are described by the manufacturer as more affordable than the imported originator. |
| Bangladesh (South Asia benchmark) | available | NovoRapid FlexPen, Fiasp FlexTouch plus local brands Rapilog (Square) and Glyset Mix (Incepta) are listed with prices on MedEx. Not Southeast Asia; included as a regional price benchmark. |
Price by country
Reference prices by market
| Market | Product | Listed price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | NovoRapid FlexPen 100 IU/mL (Novo Nordisk) | BDT 1,052 (ePharma discount price); BDT 1,080 (Arogga retail listing) | epharma.com.bd |
| Bangladesh | Fiasp FlexTouch 100 IU/mL 3 mL pen (Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd) | BDT 950.00 (5's pack BDT 4,750.00) | medex.com.bd |
| Bangladesh | Rapilog 100 IU/mL (Square Pharmaceuticals PLC) | BDT 560.00 per 3 mL pen; BDT 460.00 per 3 mL vial | medex.com.bd |
| Bangladesh | Glyset Mix 100 IU/mL (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) | BDT 550.00 per 3 mL PenSet; BDT 450.00 per 3 mL vial | medex.com.bd |
| India | NovoRapid (Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd) and InsuQuick (USV Private Limited) | NovoRapid INR 530 to INR 4,685; InsuQuick INR 770 to INR 3,850 (range across presentations) | 1mg.com |
| United States | Insulin aspart (generic and brand, including NovoLog, Kirsty and Merilog) | from about USD 79-82 depending on product and pharmacy | goodrx.com |
Frequently asked questions
What is insulin aspart used for and when should it be injected?
Insulin Aspart is approved for: To improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus (NovoLog, US label); Given subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal as part of a regimen that also includes an intermediate- or long-acting insulin; May be infused subcutaneously by an external insulin pump (change the reservoir at least every 6 days and the infusion set and site at least every 3 days); May be administered intravenously under medical supervision for glycemic control, with close monitoring of blood glucose and potassium levels. It is a insulin aspart (Rapid-acting), originally marketed as NovoRapid (Asia and Europe) / NovoLog (United States) (诺和锐); Fiasp (faster-acting formulation of the same molecule) by Novo Nordisk.
How fast does insulin aspart start working and how long does it last?
Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin. Technically: Insulin aspart is produced by recombinant DNA technology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and differs from regular human insulin by a single substitution of proline with aspartic acid at position B28. This reduces the tendency of the molecule to self-associate into hexamers, so it is absorbed more quickly from the subcutaneous depot. It binds the insulin receptor and produces the same metabolic effects as human insulin, stimulating peripheral glucose uptake and inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Onset of action is within about 5 minutes, the peak glucose-lowering effect occurs in 1 to 3 hours, and the duration of glucose lowering is 3 to 5 hours; the median time to maximum insulin concentration is 40 to 50 minutes compared with 80 to 120 minutes for regular human insulin. Fiasp contains the identical insulin aspart molecule reformulated with two additional excipients, niacinamide (which accelerates initial absorption) and L-arginine (which stabilises the formulation), giving an even earlier onset. Insulin aspart has low plasma protein binding (0-9%).
Is there a biosimilar version of NovoLog or NovoRapid available?
Insulin aspart copies are biosimilars, not generics: as biologic products they are approved on evidence of high similarity to NovoLog rather than on chemical identity. The US pathway has produced two distinct products. Sanofi's Merilog / Merilog SoloStar (insulin aspart-szjj) was approved on 14 February 2025 as the first FDA-approved biosimilar to NovoLog, with drug substance and drug product manufactured at Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland in Frankfurt, Germany, and it carries biosimilar (not interchangeable) status. Biocon Biologics' Kirsty (insulin aspart-xjhz) was approved on 15 July 2025 as the first and only interchangeable rapid-acting insulin aspart in the United States, meaning it can be substituted for NovoLog at the pharmacy; the same Biocon product was authorised in the EU as Kixelle. Interchangeability is a formal regulatory designation - without it, a pharmacist generally may not substitute a biosimilar for the prescribed originator. As with all insulins, the label warns that changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type or method of administration may affect glycemic control and should be made under medical supervision with increased glucose monitoring. Manufacturers supplying insulin aspart generic versions include Biocon Biologics, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sanofi, Square Pharmaceuticals PLC. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Fiasp FlexTouch, Glyset Mix, Rapilog.
What is the difference between NovoLog, Fiasp and Kirsty?
Insulin Aspart (Rapid-acting (prandial) recombinant human insulin analog, 100 units/mL (U-100); a faster-acting formulation is marketed as Fiasp, originally NovoRapid (Asia and Europe) / NovoLog (United States) (诺和锐); Fiasp (faster-acting formulation of the same molecule) by Novo Nordisk) Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin. The dose must be individualized. The total daily insulin requirement is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 units/kg/day; in a meal-related subcutaneous regimen, 50 to 70% of the total insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog, with the remainder provided by an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. Inject subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal. In a pump, change the Novo
Is insulin aspart interchangeable with NovoLog at the pharmacy?
Insulin Aspart (Rapid-acting (prandial) recombinant human insulin analog, 100 units/mL (U-100); a faster-acting formulation is marketed as Fiasp, originally NovoRapid (Asia and Europe) / NovoLog (United States) (诺和锐); Fiasp (faster-acting formulation of the same molecule) by Novo Nordisk) Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin. The dose must be individualized. The total daily insulin requirement is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 units/kg/day; in a meal-related subcutaneous regimen, 50 to 70% of the total insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog, with the remainder provided by an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. Inject subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal. In a pump, change the Novo
How should insulin aspart be stored before and after first use?
Storage: Unopened vials, cartridges and pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 2 degrees C to 8 degrees C (36-46 degrees F) and must not be frozen; do not use if it has been frozen. Once a NovoLog FlexPen, FlexTouch or PenFill cartridge is in use (punctured) it should be kept at temperatures below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 28 days, and an in-use pen or cartridge must NOT be stored in the refrigerator. Keep pens and cartridges away from direct heat and sunlight, always store the pen with the cap on and without a needle attached, and keep out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the label or carton. Keep the product in its original packaging and check the expiry date printed on the pack.
Can insulin aspart be used in an insulin pump?
Insulin Aspart (Rapid-acting (prandial) recombinant human insulin analog, 100 units/mL (U-100); a faster-acting formulation is marketed as Fiasp, originally NovoRapid (Asia and Europe) / NovoLog (United States) (诺和锐); Fiasp (faster-acting formulation of the same molecule) by Novo Nordisk) Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin. The dose must be individualized. The total daily insulin requirement is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 units/kg/day; in a meal-related subcutaneous regimen, 50 to 70% of the total insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog, with the remainder provided by an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. Inject subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal. In a pump, change the Novo
Can insulin aspart be mixed with long-acting insulin in the same syringe?
Insulin Aspart (Rapid-acting (prandial) recombinant human insulin analog, 100 units/mL (U-100); a faster-acting formulation is marketed as Fiasp, originally NovoRapid (Asia and Europe) / NovoLog (United States) (诺和锐); Fiasp (faster-acting formulation of the same molecule) by Novo Nordisk) Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin. The dose must be individualized. The total daily insulin requirement is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 units/kg/day; in a meal-related subcutaneous regimen, 50 to 70% of the total insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog, with the remainder provided by an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. Inject subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal. In a pump, change the Novo
What are the most common side effects of insulin aspart?
The most frequently reported side effects of insulin aspart are hypoglycemia - the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy, allergic reactions, including severe, life-threatening generalized allergy and anaphylaxis, local injection site reactions (redness, pain, itching, urticaria, edema, inflammation), lipodystrophy at injection sites, rash, pruritus, hypokalemia (shift of potassium into cells, particularly with intravenous use or in poor glycemic control). Serious but less common reactions include fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant thiazolidinediones (ppar-gamma agonists). Routine monitoring: Blood glucose self-monitoring and HbA1c; glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes; Potassium and glucose levels when insulin aspart is given intravenously (risk of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia); Injection and infusion sites - rotate sites to reduce lipodystrophy; change pump reservoirs at least every 6 days and infusion sets and sites at least every 3 days. Report any new or worsening symptom to your treating physician — most adverse effects are managed by dose reduction rather than stopping treatment.
Why might I need more basal insulin when switching from regular human insulin to insulin aspart?
Insulin Aspart (Rapid-acting (prandial) recombinant human insulin analog, 100 units/mL (U-100); a faster-acting formulation is marketed as Fiasp, originally NovoRapid (Asia and Europe) / NovoLog (United States) (诺和锐); Fiasp (faster-acting formulation of the same molecule) by Novo Nordisk) Insulin aspart is a fast-acting mealtime insulin. Because one amino acid in the molecule is changed, it is absorbed from under the skin much faster than ordinary human insulin, so it starts lowering blood sugar within about 5 minutes and finishes within 3 to 5 hours. It is injected just before eating to cover the rise in blood sugar from that meal, and is always used together with a longer-acting background insulin. The dose must be individualized. The total daily insulin requirement is usually between 0.5 and 1.0 units/kg/day; in a meal-related subcutaneous regimen, 50 to 70% of the total insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog, with the remainder provided by an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. Inject subcutaneously immediately (within 5-10 minutes) before a meal. In a pump, change the Novo
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