bovine isophane insulin

Bovine isophane insulin, also known as NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin of bovine origin, is an intermediate-acting form of animal-derived insulin used to control blood glucose in people with diabetes mellitus. It consists of purified bovine (beef) insulin complexed with protamine and zinc at neutral pH to form a suspension that delays absorption and prolongs its action. The onset of action typically occurs within 1–3 hours after subcutaneous injection, peaks at 6–8 hours, and lasts up to 24 hours. Bovine insulins were widely used before the advent of recombinant human insulins but are now less common due to higher immunogenicity compared to human or porcine insulins. Bovine isophane insulin lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake and utilization of glucose and inhibiting hepatic glucose production[5][6]. Its primary indication is for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus[3][6].

Brand names

Hypurin isophane

Other names

isophane insulin (bovine)NPH insulin (bovine)intermediate-acting bovine insulinNeutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin (bovine)