Med News06 1.2

WebMD reported Jan. 27, 2006

Exubera delivers short-acting insulin via an inhaler. It offers adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes an alternative to the insulin injections they need to control their blood sugar. The device is not approved for use by children younger than 18. The FDA approval requires the manufacturer to distribute medication guides along with Exubera. The guide contains FDA-approved information written especially for patients.Exubera is not to be used by smokers or people who have quit smoking within the previous six months. It's also not recommended for people with asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. However, people with colds or flu should still be able to take the drug, although it may cause coughing.

Good lung function was recommended to be confirmed before installing this therapy. Long term lung safety, especially in patients of pulmonary disorders, is needed, and was recommended by FDA. Advantages were obvious. Easier use of insulin. With epidemics of diabetes in US, the drug maker Pfizer may hope this new drug would reach billion-dollar seller. Eli Lilly is too developing their own inhalable insulin.