Mumbai – Cipla Limited has received regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to exclusively distribute and market Afrezza Inhalation Powder in India. Developed by MannKind Corporation, USA, Afrezza is a groundbreaking treatment designed to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus.
This marks a transformative step in diabetes care, offering patients a needle-free, inhalable insulin option. Afrezza is a rapid-acting insulin delivered via an inhaler, designed to be taken at the start of a meal. The inhaled insulin begins working within 12 minutes (according to company’s claim), closely mimicking the body’s natural insulin response by controlling blood sugar spikes. Its effects last approximately 2–3 hours, making it a convenient and patient-friendly alternative to traditional injectable insulins.
Afrezza is the first and only non-injectable insulin approved for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A phase 3 clinical trial conducted in India involving 216 patients demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c levels when Afrezza was combined with oral antidiabetic medications. Globally, the product has been validated through over 70 clinical studies involving more than 3,000 patients and has been used in the US for over a decade.
Leadership Insights
Umang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla Limited, expressed pride in introducing this innovative therapy to India:
“As pioneers of inhalation therapy in India, we are extending our innovation portfolio to diabetes management. By partnering with MannKind, we aim to redefine patient experiences and provide a convenient solution for people who are uncomfortable with needles, enabling them to manage diabetes more effectively.”
Achin Gupta, CEO of Cipla’s One India Business, emphasized Cipla’s commitment to leveraging its distribution capabilities:
“The launch of Afrezza reflects our dedication to delivering cutting-edge treatments across India, fostering better health outcomes and empowering communities.”
Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, Cipla’s Global Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the clinical significance of this breakthrough:
“Afrezza offers an innovative option for diabetes management, providing patients with a convenient and effective alternative to injectable insulin.”
Under the partnership, MannKind will manufacture and supply Afrezza, while Cipla will oversee sales and marketing efforts in India. This collaboration underscores Cipla’s focus on improving accessibility to advanced therapies, ensuring millions of patients can better manage diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
Source of Information: https://www.cipla.com/press-releases-statements/cipla-receives-approval-distribution-and-marketing-inhaled-insulin-india
