PLAINSBORO, N.J. — Novo Nordisk Inc. has rolled out Tresiba, a once-daily, long-acting basal insulin, to U.S. pharmacies.

Novo Nordisk said Tuesday that Tresiba (insulin degludec injection), provides a more flexible option for adults with diabetes who require insulin therapy, who often must plan their schedules to accommodate the need to take insulin at the same time every day.

Tresiba in Novo Nordisk’s U-100 FlexTouch insulin pen

Released over time, Tresiba lasts at least 42 hours after eight once-daily injections and has a flat and steady profile at steady state, according to Novo Nordisk. The company said the product enables patients to dose at any time of day to fit their schedules. And if they miss a dose, they can take the medication immediately as long as at least eight hours have elapsed between consecutive Tresiba injections.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in September, Tresiba is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes.

“When developing new therapies, Novo Nordisk keeps patients’ needs top of mind. With its long-acting blood glucose lowering effect, lasting for at least 42 hours, Tresiba is a shining example of that,” commented Camille Lee, senior vice president of diabetes marketing for Novo Nordisk. “We’re proud to offer this new treatment for adults living with diabetes and are excited to see the impact it may have on management of their blood sugar.”

Tresiba is available in Novo Nordisk’s newest insulin delivery device — the FlexTouch, described by the company as the only prefilled insulin pen with no push-button extension — as a 100 units/ml or 200 units/ml pen.

The Tresiba U-200 FlexTouch can dose up to 160 units in one injection, which will allow some people who are on more than 80 units of insulin per day to take fewer injections,Novo Nordisk said. The Tresiba U-100 FlexTouch can deliver up to 80 units of insulin in one injection.

Novo Nordisk added that eligible patients with commercial insurance can use the Tresiba Instant Savings Card to reduce co-payments to as low as $15 monthly for up to 24 months. The company said it’s working to secure coverage for Tresiba on health plans nationwide and has secured lowest brand co-pay status on the national formulary for CVS/caremark. Tresiba also will also be reimbursed at the lowest brand co-pay on SilverScript, Humana Medicare Part D and Humana Medicare Advantage.