AIR Inhaled Insulin System: a novel insulin-delivery system for patients with diabetes

Over time, most patients with Type 2 diabetes require insulin-replacement therapy to attain and sustain the increasingly stringent glycemic goals. Initiation of subcutaneous insulin may be delayed due to patient or provider resistance. This delay may increase the risk of complications from long-term hyperglycemia. The development of inhaled insulin-delivery systems has been pursued to facilitate earlier initiation and optimization of insulin therapy to achieve better treatment outcomes. The AIR((R)) Inhaled Insulin System utilizes relatively large, low-density particles, allowing efficient drug delivery to the deep lung from a simple inhaler. In clinical studies it has provided similar postprandial glycemic control compared with subcutaneously injected, short-acting insulin, and was preferred by more patients. The purpose of this article is to describe the AIR Inhaled Insulin System, provide an overview of other insulin-delivery systems and discuss future strategies for the treatment of diabetes.