Insulin degludec (LYS)

Insulin Degludec (LYS) is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin analogue engineered for stable, once-daily blood glucose control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The (LYS) designation refers to its specific modification at lysine B29, acylated with a glutamyl spacer and a C16 fatty acid (hexadecanoic acid), facilitating multi-hexamer formation in subcutaneous tissue and slow monomer release into the bloodstream. This design underpins its prolonged action and reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

Appearance

• Clear, colorless solution for subcutaneous injection.

Source

• Produced by recombinant DNA technology in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), followed by chemical modification and purification for pharmaceutical use.

Molecular Weight and Structure

• Molecular weight >5.8 kDa due to di-heptadecanoyl modification.

• Modified at lysine B29 with a glutamyl spacer and C16 fatty acid, enabling multi-hexamer depot formation for controlled release.

Biological Activity

• Lowers blood glucose by enhancing cell uptake and suppressing hepatic production.

• Binds insulin receptor to activate signaling pathways.

• The lysine modification supports extended dosing intervals and reduced hypoglycemia risk.

Purity & Microbial Contamination

Identity & Quality Control

Shelf Life and Storage

• Typically 2–3 years if stored refrigerated at 2–8°C, protected from light, and never frozen. Follow manufacturer’s instructions after opening.

Application

• Treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus; once-daily administration.

Key Characteristics

• Human insulin analogue with unique lysine B29 acylation.

• Ultra-long action via multi-hexamer subcutaneous formation.

• Reduced risk of hypoglycemia versus short-acting basal insulins.

• Sterile solution for injection.

Citation

• Structural and dynamic features of cagrilintide binding to receptors

• Cagrilintide lowers bodyweight through brain amylin receptor interaction

• Dual activation mechanisms in peptide-receptor biology

• Development of Cagrilintide, a Long-Acting Amylin Analogue

• Comparing efficacies of dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists

• Weekly Somapacitan efficacy and tolerance in children with GH deficiency

• Mechanisms and regulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor

• Liraglutide’s metabolic effects on palmitoleate levels

• New basal insulin analog designed for once-weekly dosing

• Insulin Icodec: Uses, mechanism, and interactions—DrugBank