The F.D.A. recently approved the drug, Exubera. Exubera is inhaled
insulin for use of adult diabetics only. The drug is expected to be
released sometime this year. Exubera is produced by Pfizer.
This drug is administered by a flashlight sized device and would be used to reduce or
eliminate the need for before meal insulin shots. However, long acting insulin will still be
required by the patient.
These conditions might prevent or inhibit the inhaled insulin properties. Pfizer’s safety and
efficacy trials found other side effects including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), respiratory
tract infections, cough and an inflammation called pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is an inflammation
of the pharynx that frequently results in a sore throat. It may be caused by a variety of
microorganisms. With the release of this drug 5000 patients will be carefully monitored to
prevent further complications.
Exubera is to replace the short acting insulin normally used at meals and not the long acting
insulin. This drug will be used as a replacement to Humalog, Novalog, Humalin,Novalin, and
Verosulin. Patients will still continue their long acting insulin and use Exubera and be closely
monitored.
Exubera is delivered by
inhaling insulin as opposed to injection from
traditional insulin. However, Exubera will not replace all injected
insulin but used as a supplement to a diabetics normal regime.
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse an
estimated 20.8 million people are affected with diabetes with another 6.2
million who have been undiagnosed.
Of the 20.8 million diabetes 57% are on oral medications, 16% on
insulin, 12% on a combination of both and 15% don’t use any
medications.
The F.D.A. panel originally voted 7-2 in favor of Exubera with concerns
about long term effects for patients with lung diseases along with
diabetes. Their main concern was with people who smoked, exposed to
smoke or had a lung disease.
By: Cindy Kimura
The release of Exubera has been long awaited since recently diagnosed Type 1 or Type 2
diabetics are afraid of needles. Many long time diabetics are also tired of injections.
Restrictions on the drug will be for smoker and diabetics with other lung ailments such as
asthma and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease should not use this drug.
This drug is only a tip of the iceberg as drug company’s look for better delivery systems and
cures in the fight against diabetes. There will be more innovate and interesting drugs as more
research is done on the root cause of diabetes.
