Sanofi and MannKind Announce Afrezza, the Only Inhaled Insulin, Now Available in the US

Sanofi and MannKind Corporation have announced that Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder, the only inhaled insulin, is now available by prescription in U. retail pharmacies nationwide. Afrezza is approved by the FDA to control high blood sugar in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis and Afrezza clinical trial investigator said: "This delivery option may help change the dialogue between health care professionals and people living with diabetes about initiating or intensifying insulin therapy."

Afrezza is a drug-device combination product that consists of a dry formulation of human insulin delivered from a small and portable inhaler to help patients achieve blood sugar control. Afrezza is rapidly absorbed and has a short duration of action. It is administered at the beginning of a meal. 

Afrezza can help control high blood sugar as part of a diabetes management plan that may include diet, exercise and other diabetes medications. Afrezza should not be used in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD. Afrezza cannot be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Afrezza is not recommended in patients who smoke or who have recently stopped smoking.

"Afrezza is an important addition to Sanofi's growing diabetes portfolio of integrated, personalised offerings, and it is one that highlights our dedication to bringing innovative therapies to people with this disease," said Pierre Chancel, Senior Vice President Diabetes Division, Sanofi. "There is a recognised need for an insulin that doesn't require an injection, and our organization is committed to making this new treatment option available to patients."

"We are extremely proud to see the many years of work that went into developing Afrezza culminate in the day when it is now available to help people manage their diabetes," stated Alfred Mann, Executive Chairman, MannKind Corporation.