Insulin aspart

Insulin Analog (rapid Acting)Rx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: Asp(B28) insulin, Fiasp, IAsp, NovoLog, NovoRapid

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control blood glucose in adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has an onset of action of approximately 10–20 minutes, peak effect at 1–3 hours, and duration of 3–5 hours, making it suitable for mealtime dosing.

Mechanism of Action

Insulin aspart binds to the insulin receptor, activating intracellular signaling cascades that promote glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, inhibit hepatic glucose production, and suppress lipolysis. The single amino acid substitution (B28 proline → aspartic acid) reduces self-aggregation, resulting in faster absorption compared to regular human insulin.

Routes of Administration

Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion (insulin Pump)IntravenousSubcutaneous

Goals & Uses

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment (IV)Emergency Glycemic ManagementModerate
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus managementGlycemic ManagementHigh
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus managementGlycemic ManagementHigh
  • Gestational diabetes / diabetes in pregnancyGlycemic ManagementHigh
  • Postprandial glucose controlGlycemic ManagementHigh

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to insulin aspart or excipientsImmunologicHigh
  • Hypoglycemia (active episode)MetabolicHigh

Adverse Effects

  • HypokalemiaElectrolyteUncommon
  • HypoglycemiaMetabolicCommonAbnormally low blood glucose
  • Peripheral edemaFluid BalanceUncommonSwelling of the arms or legs
  • Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
  • Allergic reactions / anaphylaxisImmunologicRare
  • Weight gainMetabolicCommonIncrease in body weight

Drug Interactions

  • Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone)Moderate
  • Salicylates (high-dose aspirin)Low
  • Beta-blockersModerate
  • AlcoholModerate
  • CorticosteroidsModerate
  • ACE inhibitorsLow

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
  • Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
  • Elderly patientsAgeRelative
  • Pediatric patients (<2 years)AgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionApprovedApproved: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes mellitusEMA approved NovoRapid and Fiasp; biosimilar insulin aspart (Trurapi) also approved.
  • United StatesApprovedApproved: Type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults and pediatric patients, Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adultsFDA approved NovoLog (1999); Fiasp (faster aspart) approved 2017. Available generically as insulin aspart.
  • United KingdomApprovedApproved: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes mellitusApproved by MHRA; NovoRapid and Fiasp available on NHS.

Approved by the FDA (1999), EMA, and other major regulatory agencies. Available as NovoLog/NovoRapid. Also approved in a faster-acting formulation (faster aspart, Fiasp) containing niacinamide to further accelerate absorption.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

Browse All PeptidesBuild My Stack