Pfizer’s Inhaled Insulin Approved

Pfizer received approval from the FDA for Exubera Inhalation Powder for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults. Exubera was found in clinical trials to be as effective as short-acting insulin injections, and to significantly improve blood sugar control when added to diabetes pills.

Exubera, which is expected to be available for patients by mid-year, is the first inhaled form of insulin and the first insulin option that does not need to be administered by injection in the U.S. Exubera is a rapid-acting, dry powder human insulin that is inhaled through the mouth into the lungs prior to eating, using the handheld Exubera Inhaler.