Diabetes Notes

Inhalable insulin for diabetics

by Maruthi on September 7th, 2005

We may be closer to it,  folks.  An advisory committee from the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is set to decide whether to recommend the inhalable insulin, called Exubera, to the government regulators for approval.  If approved, it could be a boon to diabetics, who otherwise have to take insulin injections.  It is being developed by Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis and Nektar Therapeutics.   The device used to inhale insulin will look similar to  a large asthma inhaler.   It has been noticed during trials that inhaled insulin is as much effective as the injected insulin.  However, volunteers complained of coughing and a small decrease of breathing capacity.   FDA panel will look into the effects of long term use of inhaled insulin on the lungs.  It would also check if it is suitable for children and people with lung disorders.  The chances of approval are 70% to 80% and if approved, Exubera could have a sales of upto $1.5 billion by 2010.  More players are getting into the research and manufacture of inhaled insulin -  Eli Lilly & Co. with Alkermes and Novo Nordisk with Mannkind are among them.

You can get more details here and here.

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