FDA Approves First Inhalable Insulin - Los Angeles Times

FDA Approves First Inhalable Insulin - Los Angeles Times: "FDA Approves First Inhalable Insulin
By Jesus Sanchez, Times Staff Writer

The Food and Drug Administration today approved the first inhaled insulin that could reduce or eliminate the need for diabetics to take injections to control their blood sugar.

The approval of Exubera, a powder that is breathed into the mouth and lungs through a 6-inch inhaler, was hailed by many health officials and is expected to be a blockbuster seller for drug maker Pfizer Inc.

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Exubera is scheduled to go on sale this summer.

Pfizer and supporters of Exubera said the powdered insulin could make life easier for the estimated 5 million Americans who take daily injections and will encourage many more diabetics who had shunned or feared using needles to start treatment.
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