Tianjin Food and Drug Administration has granted regulatory approval to Novo Nordisk to market its new insulin delivery device in China.

The NovoPen 5 device, which has the same benefits as its predecessor NovoPen 4 in terms of the design and functionality, integrates a new feature including memory function into the injection pen.

Novo Nordisk NovoPen 5 designer Ramin Nateghi-Elahi said the memory function reminds the patient whether a dose has been taken or not.

"This helps the patient to avoid missing an injection leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels or overdosing insulin, which may have severe consequences," Nateghi-Elahi added.

A usability study has shown that 78% of patients would feel more confident using an insulin pen with a memory function than the current pen, claims the company.

Available in Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland, NovoPen 5 will be launched in China in the coming months.