Sanofi Diabetes Launches JuniorSTAR, to Help Improve Type 1 Diabetes Management in Children and Adults

Sanofi Diabetes has launched JuniorSTAR, a new and award-winning half-unit insulin reusable pen device that can be used with Lantus (insulin glargine), Apidra (insulin glulisine) or Insuman (recombinant human insulin).  

The pen allows for half-unit dose increments which help to provide flexibility especially in young patients with diabetes. The lightweight pen delivers from 1 to 30 units per injection and contains a large dose display and a single-step dial back with no insulin leakage. 

JuniorSTAR has been tested by people with Type 1 diabetes (6 to 18 years old), parents and nurses in a non-comparative survey with 167 insulin pen users from five European countries.[i] The study showed that 93% of survey participants agreed that it was easy to use due to its features. 

A recent National Paediatric Diabetes Audit Report highlighted that less than one in five patients reach the HbA1c target value of <58mmol/mol (7.5%).[ii] In addition, the incidence of Type 1 diabetes among children is increasing in many countries, particularly in children under the age of 15 years.[iii]  

 
Dr Sheridan Waldron, Senior Diabetes Dietician, Dorchester County Hospital, said: “Technology that engages people to care for themselves is essential if outcomes are to improve in Type 1 diabetes. The JuniorSTAR device provides the accuracy required to titrate smaller doses of insulin motivating children and young people to play a part in their own diabetes management at an early age.”  

Grace Vanterpool, a registered nurse said: “The features of JuniorSTAR means that both adults and children with Type 1 diabetes will be able to better manage their condition because of its ease of use and flexibility of dosage. 

“In adults, as well as in children and young people, this is especially important in helping to develop a positive attitude, self-confidence to play their role in the management of diabetes to improve glycaemic control.” 

Karen Addington, UK Chief Executive of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) said: “Until the cure is found, new treatment technologies are the key to making life easier for the 400,000 UK children and adults with Type 1 diabetes.” 

Dr Andrew Hockey, Sanofi Diabetes Medical Director said: “People with diabetes deserve the best support to meet their needs. Sanofi is committed to providing efficient and simplified care to help young people and adults living with Type 1 diabetes. We developed the JuniorSTAR insulin pen device to answer the need of these patients with Type 1 diabetes, their family and carers.” 

JuniorSTAR meets the new ISO 11608-1 2012 standard, passed all requirements for robustness and dose accuracy, and is in three different colours (blue, red and silver) for flexibility and insulin differentiation.  

References
[i] Klonoff D et al., Evaluation of the JuniorSTAR® half-unit insulin pen in young people with type 1 diabetes - user perspectives. European Endocrinology. 2013; 9(2):82-5.

[ii] National Paediatric Diabetes Audit Report available at http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/child-health/standards- care/clinical-audit-and-quality-improvement/national-paediatric-diabetes-au-1 (Accessed: March, 2014)

[iii] International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 6th Edition: 2013 update. Brussels, Belgium, 2011. http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas (Accessed: March, 2014