New Delhi, December 2024 – Cipla has launched Afrezza, India’s first inhalable insulin, after the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) gave it the go-ahead. The USA-based MannKind Corporation developed Afrezza, which offers a needle-free, rapid-acting insulin alternative for adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Afrezza Cartridges. | Image: AFREZZA
Afrezza is a rapid-acting insulin. It is delivered through an inhaler that is small compared to injections. It offers a convenient and non-invasive method of administration of insulin. Afrezza is inhaled before the meal, and it rapidly dissolves in the lungs and quickly gets into the bloodstream, similar to the body’s natural response to insulin, which helps the body regulate blood sugar more effectively than injectable insulin.
Afrezza Inhaler. | Image: AFREZZA
Benefits of Afrezza
- Needle-Free: Afrezza eliminates the need for multiple daily injections, making it an ideal solution for those who fear or avoid needles.
- Rapid Action: Afrezza begins working within 12 minutes of inhalation, helping to reduce post-meal sugar spikes.
- Convenience: The effects of Afrezza last for 2-3 hours, closely resembling the body’s natural insulin response.
- Improved Glycemic Control: Clinical trials show that Afrezza significantly lowers HbA1c levels when used alongside oral anti-diabetes medications.
Cipla’s Vision
Cipla’s launch of Afrezza in India is a major step forward in improving access to advanced diabetes care in a country with one of the highest rates of diabetes globally. By reducing the need for multiple daily injections, Cipla aims to provide a more convenient solution for those living with diabetes, particularly those who experience discomfort with needles.
Umang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, said, “We are proud to expand our innovation portfolio to diabetes management through the partnership with MannKind for the distribution of Afrezza. Our goal is to offer a convenient, needle-free option for those living with diabetes, helping them manage their condition more effectively.”
The Impact on Diabetes Management
Afrezza’s approval by the CDSCO and introduction into the Indian market is a significant step forward in insulin therapy. It offers patients a non-injectable insulin option, giving millions a new, innovative tool for managing their condition and empowering them to take control of their health more easily.
Conclusion
Cipla’s launch of Afrezza marks a pivotal moment in diabetes care in India, providing a needle-free, rapid-acting insulin option that promises improved glycemic control and a better quality of life for millions of diabetes patients. With India facing one of the highest diabetes burdens worldwide, innovations like Afrezza are vital for advancing and making diabetes care more accessible.
