I had chosen the drug for my project: Exubera, an inhalated insuline for both diabetes type 1 and 2. Exubera was approved in January 27, 2006. Aventis and Pfizer worked together for the devellopement. I believe this is a wonderful news, especially for those with type 2 (like my father) who can take it instead of injected insuline. The treatment is for the moment quite expensive, around 1000 euro/year, but I'm sure in 20 years the price will go down when generics companies get it.
Quote:
At present, diabetics who require insulin to keep their blood sugar levels under tight control (target HbA1c levels of <7%) have to administer it by injection. The need for daily repeat injections is a major drawback for diabetics. It interferes with daily activities and can lead to patients developing needle phobia. Although special self-injection pens, which are easier to use and deliver an accurate dose of insulin, are available they do not remove the need for regular injections. However, injections are considered the most efficient and reliable way to deliver insulin to the bloodstream at present.
Various alternatives to injectable insulin have been investigated: - Insulin patches
- Insulin pumps
- Oral formulations designed to resist insulin digestion in the gastrointestinal tract
- Inhaled insulin
Of all the alternative delivery routes, pulmonary delivery of insulin looks the most promising.
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http://www.drugdevelopment-technology.com/projects/exubera/
05-10-2006, 03:59 PM
New treatment for diabetes
