Novel System for Inhaling Insulin

A new system that will make it possible for diabetes patients to inhale, rather than inject, their insulin, was a major topic of discussion at the Diabetes Dialogue Interactive conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

An electronic pulmonary insulin system under development incorporates features designed to address the key requirements and standards for pulmonary insulin by ensuring a high level of efficacy and reproducibility. These features include a liquid insulin formulation that allows correct particle sizing, electronic breath control that only allows delivery if the rate of breathing is correct, one insulin unit dosing, a high level of absorption, and a data downloading system to review accurate device use and patient compliance. The device itself is not larger than a paperback book and has been shown in trials to be simple for patients to use efficiently. The system, called Aerx, is being developed by Novo Nordisk (Copenhagen, Denmark).

"Pulmonary insulin could redefine what insulin therapy means to diabetes patients and physicians, not only by offering an alternative to the needle, but also by provoking new thinking and discussion,” said Professor Per Wollmer, of the University of Lund (Sweden).




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