Inhaled Insulin (Exubera) - Falling Star

Inhaled Insulin (Exubera) was brought in market in early-2006 and since then, it's being criticized for its added efficacy and long-term safety profile over standard subcutaneous insulin regime. Recently, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, UK Government) has published guideline on use of inhaled insulin for the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Authors of guideline group do not recommend inhaled insulin for the routine treatment of diabetes.

Also, inhaled insulin should be used as an alternative option in only those subgroup of diabetic patients in whom other treatment modalities are ineffective or intolerable and interestingly, in patients suffering from specific phobia of "blood injection injury type" who are not willing to take standard subcutaneous insulin injections. Several other studies also recommend data collection for evaluating long-term safety profile of inhaled insulin and it's effect on lung functions.

Reference:
1. NICE guideline (Dec 2006): Inhaled insulin for the treatment of diabetes (types 1 and 2)
2. Exubera | Pfizer Inc.
3. FDA approval of Exubera
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