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The transition has taken years. Modern insulin was introduced in Bangladesh in 2006, followed by a contract manufacturing agreement with Eskayef in 2009. Local production of human insulin began in 2012.

However, producing modern insulin locally required further refinement. An agreement signed in 2018 culminated in full-scale production in 2026, after nearly eight years of preparation.

“We take time because quality cannot be compromised,” Thyagarajan said.

LOWER COSTS, WIDER REACH

For patients, the biggest impact is likely to be affordability and access.

By reducing reliance on imports, Bangladesh will be less exposed to global supply disruptions. At the same time, local production is expected to lower costs by cutting import duties and logistics expenses.

“Affordability remains a major barrier,” Thyagarajan said. “Local production allows us to reduce costs and pass those benefits to patients.”

Although pricing details are yet to be announced, the company confirmed that locally produced insulin will be cheaper than imported alternatives.

Currently, only about one million patients in Bangladesh use insulin, leaving millions untreated or inadequately managed. Expanding local supply could significantly increase coverage.

FROM DOMESTIC SUPPLY TO GLOBAL EXPORTS

Beyond meeting local demand, Novo Nordisk sees Bangladesh as a potential export base.

The country is already exporting human insulin produced locally, and plans are underway to expand exports of modern insulin.

“Bangladesh can become not only self-sufficient but also a global supplier,” Thyagarajan said.

The ambition aligns with Bangladesh’s broader push to move into high-value manufacturing sectors. The country’s success in the garment industry -- where it ranks among the world’s top exporters -- demonstrates its ability to meet global standards.

“The same can be achieved in pharmaceuticals, particularly in biotechnology,” he said.

The initiative also includes training local workers in advanced manufacturing processes, helping build a skilled workforce in a highly specialised field.

A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

Novo Nordisk has been present in Bangladesh since 1957, making it one of its earliest markets outside Europe.

At a time when several multinational pharmaceutical companies have scaled down operations in the country, the Danish firm says it remains committed.

“Our commitment is driven by patients,” Thyagarajan said. “We are here not just as a business, but as a healthcare partner.”

BEYOND DIABETES

The company is also expanding its focus beyond diabetes to include obesity, another growing health challenge.

More than one billion people globally are overweight or obese, a number expected to rise sharply by 2030. Bangladesh is also seeing a steady increase, with around 10 million affected.

“Obesity is a complex chronic disease, not just a lifestyle issue,” Thyagarajan said.

Novo Nordisk has already introduced GLP-1-based treatments for diabetes and is working to bring similar therapies for obesity to Bangladesh.