April 29, 2026 – In a landmark move for Bangladesh’s healthcare sector, Eskayef (SKF) Pharmaceuticals Limited and Novo Nordisk Bangladesh have officially announced the local production of modern insulin cartridges (Penfill) using cutting-edge Danish technology.
This strategic partnership marks the successful transfer of technology from Denmark to Bangladesh, aiming to make world-class diabetes treatment more accessible and affordable for millions of patients.
The announcement was made at a high-profile event titled "Shabash Bangladesh: Increasing access to modern insulin through technology transfer from Denmark" held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
For the first time in Bangladesh, high-end premix and rapid-acting modern insulin (such as NovoMix and NovoRapid) will be manufactured locally, following strict international manufacturing protocols.
To maintain Novo Nordisk’s global benchmark, every batch of insulin produced in Bangladesh will undergo quality testing in Denmark.
Local manufacturing is expected to reduce dependency on imports, ensuring a steady supply and lower costs for patients.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul, hailed the initiative as a giant leap toward self-sufficiency in the bio-pharmaceutical sector.
"This initiative showcases our progress in advanced bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing. It ensures the uninterrupted availability of life-saving medicine and supports our goal of achieving self-reliance in the health sector."
— Health Minister
The Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Christian Brix Møller, emphasized the strength of the Denmark-Bangladesh partnership, noting that Danish innovation is now directly helping to enhance Bangladesh's bio-manufacturing capabilities.
The timing of this launch is critical. Bangladesh currently has over 13 million people living with diabetes, a figure projected to rise to 22 million by 2045.
As the burden of chronic diseases grows, the ability to produce high-tech biological drugs like modern insulin cartridges locally positions Bangladesh as a rising hub for pharmaceutical excellence in South Asia. This collaboration between SKF and Novo Nordisk is not just a business agreement; it is a lifeline for the millions of Bangladeshis fighting diabetes every day.
