isophane insulin

Isophane insulin (human), also known as NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin, is an intermediate-acting, recombinant human insulin formulated as an isophane suspension with protamine sulfate. The addition of protamine sulfate slows the absorption of the insulin, resulting in a prolonged duration of action compared to regular insulin. It is structurally identical to endogenous human pancreatic insulin and functions by binding to the insulin receptor, which increases cellular glucose uptake in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle while inhibiting hepatic glucose production. It is primarily used in the management of diabetes mellitus, including type 1 and type 2, often as a basal insulin component. In clinical trial contexts, such as those conducted by the Steno Diabetes Center, it frequently serves as a human insulin comparator against newer insulin analogues to evaluate outcomes like the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia.

Brand names

Humulin NNovolin NInsuman BasalInsulatard

Other names

isophane insulin (human)NPH insulinNeutral Protamine Hagedorn insulinhuman isophane insulin