Afrezza (insulin human [rDNA origin]) inhalation powder, an investigational mealtime insulin, provides more rapid suppression of endogenous glucose production (EGP) after a meal than the subcutaneously-injected insulin lispro in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to data presented by MannKind Corporation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s 70th Scientific Sessions.
MannKind said that Afrezza is a drug-device combination product, consisting of Afrezza inhalation powder pre-metered into single use dose cartridges and the light, discreet and easy-to-use Afrezza Inhaler. It is an ultra rapid acting mealtime insulin therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for the control of hyperglycemia.
When administered at the start of a meal, Afrezza dissolves immediately upon inhalation and delivers insulin quickly to the blood stream. Peak insulin levels are achieved within 12 to 14 minutes of administration, mimicking the release of meal-time insulin observed in healthy individuals.
Peter Richardson, corporate vice president and chief scientific officer of MannKind, said: “The proper control of endogenous blood sugar after meals is crucial to the successful management of patients with Type 2 diabetes, and our findings show that Afrezza achieves this goal more rapidly than standard therapy with insulin lispro.
“Additionally, the finding that the effect of Afrezza on free fatty acids and glucagon was dose-dependent may be very important in understanding the consistent effect that we see with Afrezza on fasting glucose levels. Free fatty acids play a major role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, and we anticipate conducting further research in this area.”