Inhaled human [rDNA origin] insulin, a novel formulation for diabetes mellitus

Diabetic complications have been reduced significantly with the introduction of insulin more than 8 decades prior. Despite the proven benefits of normal glycemic levels, patients are deterred by the inconvenience and expect worse pain than there is on average with multiple daily insulin injections. Inhaled insulin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in early 2006 and is a novel product that introduces inhaled insulin as an alternate to the traditional subcutaneous delivery system, and hence could potentially improve patient compliance. The objective of this article is to review the clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, clinical efficacy, and tolerability of inhaled insulin.