Learn more about rapid-acting insulin and the new FDA approval of Merilog, similar to Novolog. 

🤔 What is Fast Acting Insulin?

Fast-acting insulin is a type of insulin you take before meals to stop your sugar from going too high when you eat carbohydrates. Fast-acting insulin is sometimes also known as bolus insulin or mealtime insulin.

There are 3 different types of Fast-acting insulin:

  • Insulin aspart (Fiasp, NovoRapid and Trurapi)
  • Insulin glulisine (Apidra)
  • Insulin lispro (Admelog, Humalog and Lyumjev)

👏🏻 New Fast-Acting Insulin

The FDA has approved a rapid-acting insulin called Merilog (insulin-aspart-szij), which acts similarly to NovoLog (insulin aspart) for managing blood sugar spikes following meals in adults and children with diabetes. 

It is the first fast-acting insulin biosimilar approved by the FDA. As the name implies, a biosimilar is a medication highly similar to another FDA-approved product, in this case, NovoLog. Biosimilars work in the same way and have the same benefits and risks.

While this may be the case, there are other biosimilar insulins; however, they are not fast-acting. Examples of other biosimilar insulins include Basaglar (a biosimilar to Lantus, a long-acting insulin), Semglee (also a biosimilar to Lantus), and Rezvoglar (another Lantus biosimilar). These provide alternatives for basal insulin needs but do not act as quickly as fast-acting options like NovoLog.

Dosage Forms: 3 mL single-use prefilled pen and 10 mL multiple-dose vial 

Administration: 5 to 10 minutes before a meal by injecting into the stomach, buttocks, thighs, or upper arms.

 

Summary

Merilog is a newly FDA-approved fast-acting insulin that helps manage blood sugar spikes after meals, working similarly to NovoLog. As the first fast-acting insulin biosimilar, it offers a promising option for both adults and children living with diabetes. With multiple dosage forms—including a convenient prefilled pen and a traditional vial—Merilog adds flexibility and potential affordability to diabetes care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring new options, Merilog might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.