COPENHAGEN, Denmark, January 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk has been awarded the 2010 GOOD DESIGN(TM) Award[1] for NovoTwist(R), the innovative needle designed for use with the Novo Nordisk insulin delivery device FlexPen(R) and Victoza(R) (liraglutide) Pen.

The GOOD DESIGN(TM) Award[1] is judged based on design innovation beyond what is considered ordinary, and on whether a product can enrich society and people's lives.

"NovoTwist(R) was designed exactly for this purpose," says Svend Elk, Global VP, Devices, Novo Nordisk. "Conventional screw thread needles can be difficult to attach for those with limited manual dexterity. We are excited that patients around the world can now benefit from the simplicity[2,3] and user-friendliness[3] offered by NovoTwist(R)."

NovoTwist(R) needle has a novel bayonet fitting that allows simple 'just twist' attachment and detachment to compatible pens. When used with FlexPen(R), three out of four patients prefer NovoTwist(R) to conventional needles[2], and patients find NovoTwist(R) easier to use, less time-consuming and more user-friendly than conventional needles.[2,3]

NovoTwist(R) has been launched in South Africa, Italy, Turkey and Thailand.