After a recent FDA decision, it looks like the inhaled insulin (called Exubera) may be on the market soon. Exubera is equivalent to injected insulin in controlling the glucose, but not superior.
Question of Lung Safety
Studies showed a small decline in lung function in patients using Exubera, which did not continue after several months and was not clinically significant.
Despite this, the FDA panel made up of endocrinologists and pulmonologists, recommended the use of inhaled insulin only by people with healthy lungs. Exubera is not for you if you have COPD, for example.
Only 10 percent of the inhaled insulin reaches the bloodstream. Smokers absorb several times as much drug through their lungs and they are also excluded for the potential users of Exubera.
Not Easy To Use
Nektar Therapeutics has developed a special delivery chamber for the inhaled insulin which looks like a spacer device for asthma inhalers.
The estimates are that Exubera sales could easily exceed $1 billion within 2-3 years. Other companies, like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, are also developing inhaled insulin.
References:
F.D.A. Panel Endorses Inhaled Form of Insulin - NYT
Related:
Lilly Ends Effort to Develop an Inhaled Insulin Product. NYTimes, 03/2008.
Pfizer Warns of Inhaled Insulin Lung Cancer Risk. NYT, 04/2008.
Updated: 04/10/2008
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