Is Porcine Insulin Still Available? The 2025 Update on Its Status

Porcine insulin, once a cornerstone of diabetes treatment, is no longer widely available, especially in vial form. As of July 2025, Wockhardt, the last global manufacturer, issued a supply notification confirming the discontinuation of its Hypurin Porcine insulin vials, marking a significant shift in the market.

Quick Summary

Porcine insulin is discontinued in many countries and phasing out globally, with remaining supplies limited to specific cartridge formats in certain regions. This has prompted a transition for remaining users towards modern, biosynthetic human insulin and insulin analogs.

Key Points

• Market Withdrawal: Major manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk ceased producing porcine insulin for the U.S. and other markets in the 2000s, replaced by synthetic versions.

• 2025 Discontinuation of Vials: Wockhardt, the last global supplier, confirmed the discontinuation of its Hypurin Porcine insulin vials, with supplies ending by early 2026.

• Limited Availability in Cartridges: Porcine insulin will remain available for a period in specific 3ml cartridge (Penfill) formats for users who require it and use compatible pen devices.

• Transition to Biosynthetic Insulin: Health authorities and clinical guidance recommend a switch to biosynthetic human insulins and insulin analogs, which offer better safety and efficacy.

• Import Restrictions: In the U.S., animal-sourced insulin is not FDA-approved, and importation for personal use is only permitted on a case-by-case basis under strict conditions.

• Reasons for Shift: The move away from animal insulin was driven by its potential for allergic reactions and antibody formation, as well as the need for more consistent and plentiful supplies.

The history of insulin for diabetes management began with animal-sourced insulin in the 1920s, extracted from the pancreases of cows and pigs. Porcine insulin was favored due to its close similarity to human insulin. However, the development of biosynthetic human insulin using recombinant DNA technology in the 1980s marked a significant shift. This synthetic insulin was less likely to cause allergic reactions and offered more consistent effects compared to animal insulin. The reliable large-scale production of human insulin also addressed the supply limitations of animal sources.

The Shift Away from Animal-Sourced Insulin

Major manufacturers like Eli Lilly discontinued animal insulin production in the U.S. in the 2000s, driven by the adoption of newer alternatives. While the FDA hasn't approved animal-sourced insulins for sale in the U.S. since then, exceptions for personal importation under specific medical conditions exist.

2025 Availability: A Shifting Global Landscape

Porcine insulin availability is decreasing globally. For years, Wockhardt UK was the primary global manufacturer of Hypurin® porcine insulin. A Medicine Supply Notification in the UK in July 2025 announced the discontinuation of Wockhardt's Hypurin Porcine insulin 10ml vials, with supplies expected to run out over the following months. While vials are being discontinued, Hypurin Porcine insulin is still available in 3ml Penfill (cartridges) for all three formulations. Patients using vials need to switch to cartridges and use a compatible pen device. A new reusable pen, the Mypen2, is expected by September 2025, as the AutoPen Classic is also being discontinued.

Porcine vs. Synthetic Insulin: A Comparison

A comparison highlights the reasons for the shift from porcine insulin to modern synthetic alternatives:

Feature	Porcine Insulin	Synthetic Insulin (Human/Analogs)
Source	Extracted from the pancreas of pigs.	Produced using genetically engineered bacteria or yeast.
Availability	Extremely limited, phasing out globally, mostly in specific cartridge formats.	Widespread, readily available through standard pharmaceutical channels.
Immunogenicity	Can elicit an immune response, leading to antibody formation and potential allergic reactions.	Minimally immunogenic, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and resistance.
Structure	Differs from human insulin by a single amino acid.	Identical to human insulin (for recombinant human insulin) or modified for specific pharmacokinetic profiles (analogs).
Pharmacokinetics	Generally slower and less predictable absorption compared to modern analogs.	Optimized for various action profiles (rapid-acting, long-acting, etc.) and offers more predictable control.
Cost	Historically less expensive, but now potentially higher due to limited, specialized production.	Can vary, but mass production helps maintain affordability, though pricing remains a major issue for some.

The Transition to Modern Alternatives

The discontinuation of animal insulin necessitates a transition for remaining users. Studies show switching to synthetic forms is safe and can improve glycemic control. Patients should consult healthcare providers for a transition plan, as abrupt cessation of insulin is dangerous. Consultation with an endocrinologist or diabetologist is often recommended.

The American Diabetes Association's blog, "{Link: The History of a Wonderful Thing We Call Insulin https://diabetes.org/blog/history-wonderful-thing-we-call-insulin}," provides further context on the evolution of insulin production.

Conclusion: A Phased Exit

Porcine insulin is in its final phase globally. The discontinuation of vials by Wockhardt highlights the move towards biosynthetic insulins, offering improved safety, consistency, and supply reliability. A thoughtful transition to modern alternatives is necessary for remaining patients. This shift represents a significant advancement in diabetes treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did manufacturers stop making porcine insulin?

Manufacturers phased out porcine and other animal-sourced insulins primarily due to the development of safer, more reliable biosynthetic human insulin. Recombinant DNA technology allowed for mass production of insulin with fewer allergic reactions and more consistent effects compared to animal extracts.

Is any porcine insulin still available for purchase in the U.S.?

No, there are no FDA-approved animal-sourced insulins available for sale in the U.S.. The FDA may, on a case-by-case basis, use enforcement discretion to allow personal importation of unapproved animal insulin if it is medically necessary and not available in the U.S..

Who was the last remaining global manufacturer of porcine insulin?

For many years, Wockhardt UK has been the sole global supplier of porcine insulin, marketed under the brand name Hypurin®. However, the company has announced a phased discontinuation of its vial presentations.

What happens to patients who were using porcine insulin vials?

Patients who were using porcine insulin in vials must transition to an alternative, most likely a modern biosynthetic human insulin or analog. Those needing to continue with porcine insulin will need to switch to the cartridge format, which requires a compatible pen device, such as the new Mypen2.

How does porcine insulin compare to human insulin?

Porcine insulin differs from human insulin by only one amino acid, but this difference is enough to cause potential immune reactions in some people. Modern biosynthetic human insulin is identical to the insulin produced by the human body and is less likely to cause allergic reactions or antibody formation.

Is it safe to switch from porcine insulin to synthetic alternatives?

Yes, it is generally safe to switch from porcine insulin to synthetic alternatives. Recent studies indicate no harm in making the transition, but it should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional to adjust dosage and manage the transition safely.

What is biosynthetic insulin?

Biosynthetic insulin is a type of insulin produced using recombinant DNA technology, where human insulin is created by genetically engineered microorganisms. This process results in a product identical to human insulin (or modified to be an analog) that is more pure and consistently produced than animal-derived insulin.