Novo Nordisk eyes Bangladesh as an insulin hub

Bangladesh is stepping into high-end pharmaceutical manufacturing as Novo Nordisk begins producing modern insulin locally in partnership with Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a concern of Transcom Group.

The move promises to expand access for millions of people with diabetes while positioning the country as a future export hub for advanced biologic medicines.

The Danish drugmaker’s transfer of advanced manufacturing technology marks a “milestone” for Bangladesh, said Jay Thyagarajan, the company’s senior vice president for Asia Pacific, as it signals a shift from import dependence to building sophisticated biopharmaceutical capability at home.

“This is not just about manufacturing,” Thyagarajan told The Daily Star. “It is about building sustainable capability in Bangladesh and demonstrating that the country can produce biologic medicines at the highest global standards.”

LIMITED ACCESS

The urgency behind the move is stark. Bangladesh has around 15 million diabetic patients, yet only a small fraction receives insulin therapy due to high costs, inconsistent supply and limited access to treatment facilities.

Globally, more than 600 million people live with diabetes, but in countries like Bangladesh, access gaps remain acute.

“Given the scale of unmet demand, we felt the need to ensure a sustainable local supply,” Thyagarajan said.

Local manufacturing is expected to play a critical role in narrowing this gap, particularly as diabetes cases continue to rise alongside urbanisation and lifestyle changes.

WHY BANGLADESH -- AND WHY ESKAYEF

Novo Nordisk’s decision to localise production was driven by both market need and manufacturing potential. A key part of that strategy is its partnership with Eskayef, a concern of Transcom Group.

Thyagarajan said the choice was based on trust and proven capability.

“Eskayef and Transcom have demonstrated over the years that they can maintain high-quality production standards comparable to global benchmarks,” he said.

Insulin production is among the most complex processes in pharmaceuticals, requiring precision, consistency and strict regulatory compliance. Novo Nordisk was confident that its Bangladeshi partner could meet those standards.

Equally important was institutional support. Coordination among regulators, policymakers and the medical community helped enable the technology transfer.

“Technology transfer of this scale requires alignment across stakeholders. In Bangladesh, that alignment was there,” he said.

A COMPLEX LEAP INTO BIOTECHNOLOGY

Unlike conventional drugs, insulin is a biological product that demands advanced processes such as fermentation, sterile manufacturing and highly controlled environments.

“It is not a simple molecule,” Thyagarajan said. “It requires extremely high levels of control and quality.”

Novo Nordisk has transferred proprietary technology from Denmark and ensured that production in Bangladesh adheres to European Union standards. Each batch is tested to match global benchmarks.

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.