Mannkind Corp. and Sanofi announced Tuesday that Afrezza Inhalation Powder, a form of insulin, is now available through a prescription in U.S. pharmacies.
"Afrezza is an important addition to Sanofi's growing diabetes portfolio of integrated, personalized offerings, and it is one that highlights our dedication to bringing innovative therapies to people with this disease," Senior Vice President of the Diabetes Division Sanofi Pierre Chancel said.
Afrezza, the only available inhaled insulin with Food and Drug Administration approval, can be taken to regulate high blood sugar in adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The medication is human insulin in a dry formula administered through a small inhaler. Afrezza is absorbed quickly and is fast-acting in transporting insulin to the bloodstream. In 12 to 15 minutes after inhalation, top insulin levels are achieved.
"Many people living with diabetes are not able to control their blood sugar on their current medications and may benefit from using insulin," Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Afrezza clinical trial investigator Janet McGill said. "Now they have another option to administer insulin that is not an injection. This delivery option may help change the dialogue between health care professionals and people living with diabetes about initiating or intensifying insulin therapy."
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