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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
A second-generation inhaled insulin for diabetes mellitus
Grace Ledet1, Richard A Graves1, Levon A Bostanian1
1Grace Ledet, M.S., is Research Associate; Richard A. Graves, M.S., is Senior Research Associate; and Levon A. Bostanian, Ph.D., is Professor of Pharmaceutics, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. Tarun K. Mandal, Ph.D., is Professor and Director, Center for Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana.
Afrezza, an inhaled insulin, offers an alternative for prandial glucose control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials show it is safe and effective, with lower hypoglycemia rates than injectable insulin.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Drug Delivery Systems
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Clinical Trial Analysis
Background:
- Review of a new inhaled insulin product, Afrezza (Technosphere Insulin).
- Focus on its unique dry-powder delivery system and formulation.
- Exploration of its role in managing diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacologic properties of inhaled insulin (Afrezza).
- To examine the unique delivery system of Afrezza.
- To present results from clinical safety and efficacy trials of Afrezza.
Main Methods:
- Review of pharmacologic data for Afrezza.
- Analysis of clinical trial data on safety and efficacy.
- Assessment of Afrezza's formulation with fumaryl diketopiperazine excipient.
Main Results:
- Afrezza is an ultrarapid-acting insulin for prandial glucose control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Clinical trials demonstrated significantly lower hypoglycemia rates compared to injectable insulins.
- Coughing was the most frequent adverse effect, typically mild.
Conclusions:
- Afrezza is a safe and effective alternative for prandial insulin therapy in selected adults with diabetes.
- It is not a substitute for basal insulin and requires combination therapy in type 1 diabetes.
- Contraindicated in current/recent smokers and patients with chronic lung disease.
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