New Delhi, December 12, 2024: Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla has received regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to exclusively market and distribute Afrezza, a revolutionary inhaled human insulin, in India.

About Afrezza

Afrezza, developed and manufactured by US-based MannKind Corporation, is a rapid-acting insulin designed for adult patients with diabetes mellitus. Unlike traditional insulins administered via injections, Afrezza is delivered through an inhaler, offering a needle-free solution to diabetes management.

Key features of Afrezza include:

Rapid Onset: Begins acting in as little as 12 minutes after inhalation.

Short Duration: Effects last for about 2 to 3 hours, mimicking the body’s natural insulin response.

Ease of Use: Taken at the beginning of a meal, it dissolves quickly in the lungs and delivers insulin rapidly to the bloodstream, helping control post-meal sugar spikes.

Cipla’s Commitment

Cipla’s Managing Director and Global CEO, Umang Vohra, expressed the company’s excitement about introducing this innovative therapy to India.

"By reducing the need for multiple daily insulin injections, Afrezza offers a convenient and effective solution for people with diabetes, particularly those uncomfortable with needles. This partnership with MannKind reinforces Cipla's commitment to empowering millions to take control of their health with greater ease," Vohra said.

A Game-Changer for Diabetes Management

The introduction of Afrezza aligns with Cipla’s efforts to expand its inhalation therapy portfolio into diabetes care. By eliminating the need for needles, the drug offers an alternative for patients struggling with conventional insulin therapies.

Availability and Accessibility

While Cipla has not disclosed the pricing or the exact timeline for Afrezza’s availability in India, the company has assured that the drug will be made accessible to patients nationwide.

MannKind will supply Afrezza to Cipla, which will handle its marketing and distribution. Afrezza’s launch is expected to revolutionize diabetes treatment in India, where millions of patients stand to benefit from this innovative, less invasive insulin therapy.