Pakistan Reports Shortage of Only Apidra Insulin Brand
Contrary to social media concerns about a widespread insulin shortage in Pakistan, the country’s health authorities have clarified that only the Apidra insulin brand is currently unavailable due to international supply issues.
Insulin Availability in Pakistan
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Health, Sajid Shah, confirmed that Apidra (insulin glulisine), produced by Sanofi, is temporarily out of stock in medical outlets across the country. However, he reassured patients that two other rapid-acting insulin options, NovoRapid (insulin aspart) by Novo Nordisk and Humalog (insulin lispro) by Eli Lilly, remain accessible nationwide.
Additionally, all other major insulin types are fully stocked in Pakistan. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) echoed the ministry’s statements, urging patients reliant on Apidra to seek medical advice before switching insulin brands, as careful dose adjustments and monitoring are essential to avoid health risks.
Context and Long-Term Solutions
Pakistan is home to approximately 34 million diabetes patients, ranking third globally in diabetes prevalence after India and China, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Among these patients, over 100,000 require daily insulin injections for Type 1 diabetes, making uninterrupted insulin supply critical.
In August 2025, the Pakistan Medical Association reported shortages affecting 80 essential medications, with no substitutes available for 25 of them. Insulin supply problems have recurred regularly since 2023.
To address this, DRAP authorized Genetics Pharmaceuticals to import insulin from Russia’s Zavod Medisintez in 2025. Furthermore, officials have explored partnerships with Russian pharmaceutical entities to establish joint ventures aimed at bolstering local insulin production. Experts emphasize that developing domestic manufacturing capabilities remains the most sustainable solution to prevent future shortages.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
For millions of Pakistanis living with diabetes, consistent access to insulin is vital for survival and quality of life. Panic caused by misinformation on social media regarding an insulin shortage highlights the need for clear communication from health authorities. Ensuring a stable insulin supply chain, along with expanding local production, directly impacts public health and reduces dependency on international suppliers.
“Patients should consult their healthcare providers before changing insulin brands to ensure safe treatment,” advised Sajid Shah from the health ministry.
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