Inhaled insulin: new technology, new possibilities.
The prevalence of diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions with an increasing need for new therapies. Several new therapies are in development and amongst these is inhaled insulin. Inhaled insulin is a novel way of delivering insulin and has been shown to have an efficacy comparable to subcutaneous insulin in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Several inhaled insulin delivery systems are currently in development and the first of these, Exubera has recently been granted license in Europe and in the USA. In this article we review the efficacy and safety profile of Exubera and discuss its potential place in the management of diabetes.
Bellary
S
S
Department of Medicine, University of Birmingham and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Barnett
A H
AH
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain
C473734:Exubera; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin