Welcome! To our new Beyond Type 1 and Beyond Type 2 website! Hear from the team about the change.

FDA Approves Merilog: A New Rapid-Acting Insulin Option

Written by: Daniel Trecroci

2 minute read

February 15, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merilog (insulin-aspart-szjj), a biosimilar to Novolog (insulin aspart). 

This means you now have another rapid-acting insulin option to help keep your blood sugar in check at mealtime.

What is Merilog?

  • A fast-acting insulin, Merilog is designed to lower blood sugar spikes after eating.
  • Works just like Novolog and is taken right before meals (5-10 minutes before).
  • Will be available in two forms:
    • 3 mL prefilled pen (for single use)
    • 10 mL vial (for multiple doses)

Why is this a big deal?

  • More insulin choices for people with diabetes.
  • Biosimilars are often more affordable, making insulin more accessible.
  • Same safety and effectiveness as Novolog.

Who Can Use Merilog?

  • Adults and children with diabetes who need rapid-acting insulin.
  • Anyone already using Novolog can switch with their doctor’s approval. This may be helpful if it is offered at lower cost on your insurance plan or out-of-pocket.

What This Means for You

  • Merilog’s approval offers a potentially lower-cost option for the 8.4 million Americans relying on insulin to manage diabetes
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if Merilog is right for you!
Beyond Diabetes author

Author

Daniel Trecroci

Dan has written about diabetes for more than 20 years. He was one of Diabetes Health's first hires. Throughout his 10+ years as Managing Editor, he wrote/published thousands of articles and helped establish Diabetes Health as the premiere resource for people with diabetes. He later became the Content Manager for OneTouchGold—Johnson & Johnson/LifeScan’s official digital publication for its metering technology customers. Under his leadership, OneTouchGold received the Web Marketing Association’s award for “Best Health & Wellness" web site. Dan has also written for the Diabetes Research Institute, dLife, diaTribe, Healthline, CareDx, Pendulum Therapeutics, and Hero Bread.