The Afrezza Inhaler is an FDA-Approved Drug for Diabetes
Meghan Young — July 2, 2014 — Tech
References: mannkindcorp & theverge
The Afrezza inhaler could revolutionize the way diabetics take their medication. Recently approved by the FDA, it is a stepping stone into a new age where needles are obsolete, replaced with airborne drugs that are easy, convenient and pain-free. Granted, the Afrezza inhaler is similar to Exubera, which was introduced by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in 2006. Yet it is smaller and less complicated.
Developed by California-based MannKind Corporation, the Afrezza inhaler is currently not meant to replace insulin injections. Instead, it is "an alternative to them at meal times given the powder's short-term effects that kick in within what the company says is between 12 to 15 minutes," according to The Verge. Studies are still required to track its long-term effects.
Developed by California-based MannKind Corporation, the Afrezza inhaler is currently not meant to replace insulin injections. Instead, it is "an alternative to them at meal times given the powder's short-term effects that kick in within what the company says is between 12 to 15 minutes," according to The Verge. Studies are still required to track its long-term effects.
Trend Themes
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Needle-free Medication — The development of insulin-delivering inhalers could disrupt traditional needle-based medication administration, creating opportunities for more pain-free and convenient treatment options.
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Short-term Effect Medication — The short-term effects of inhalable insulin could lead to new opportunities for treating diabetes alongside traditional medication options.
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Compact Inhalation Technology — The development of smaller, more compact inhaler devices could create opportunities for more discreet medication administration in various industries outside of healthcare.
Industry Implications
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Pharmaceuticals — Pharmaceutical companies have an opportunity to invest in and develop needle-free insulin delivery alternatives, increasing their value proposition to diabetic patients, healthcare providers and payers.
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Medical Devices — The medical device industry could create fully integrated inhaleable insulin delivery systems, providing a more seamless and user-friendly experience for diabetic patients.
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Wellness — Inhalable insulin could have applications in wellness industries, such as fitness and weight-loss, where snacking and early diabetes cases may require on-demand insulin supplementation without the need for needles.
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