AFREZZA® Closely Mimics Physiologic Insulin

AFREZZA® outpaces RAA, with a faster start and earlier peak effect1-4

People without diabetes: Time to peak insulin concentration is ~45 minutes5

Insulin concentration in people without diabetes (mobile view)

Time-action profiles: AFREZZA and SC RAA comparison1-4

Data are from an open-label, randomized, controlled, crossover study that compared the area under the glucose infusion rate versus time curve (GIR AUC) of AFREZZA (12 units) with SC RAA lispro (8 units) in 30 adult patients with T1D. Each volunteer received 3 different doses of each treatment over a series of 6 euglycemic clamps. The time course of insulin action may vary considerably in different individuals or within the same individual.1,2

AFREZZA closely mimics physiologic insulin, aligning with real-time eating.1,5-7

How does the onset of action of AFREZZA compare with injectable rapid-acting insulin?

AFREZZA has an ultra-rapid onset of approximately 12 minutes, which is faster than available SC RRAs that have an onset of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.2,4 The shorter duration of action of AFREZZA more closely mimics physiologic postprandial insulin secretion, which may reduce the risk of late postprandial hypoglycemia.2,3,5,8

Comparing the time-action of AFREZZA vs physiologic insulin and SC RAA1,2,5,9,10

aData shown are for the 12-unit doses. The 48-unit doses have a time to peak effect of 55 minutes and time for effect to return to baseline of 270 minutes.2
Insulin secretion data obtained from a study in healthy subjects (n=10) to estimate insulin sensitivity based on a MGTT. Delivery data obtained from the prescribing information for inhaled and SC RAA insulin therapies and a quantitative comparison of GIR profiles for AFREZZA and lispro.1,2,9,10

Comparisons of efficacy and safety should not be made in the absence of head-to-head studies
The clinical significance of the differences in PD parameters has not been established
AFREZZA can be taken at the start of a meal, since it mimics physiologic insulin: no pre-bolus required2,3,8

AFREZZA is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin2

Anatomical illustration of pulmonary insulin delivery: AFREZZA microparticles, sized to reach the deep lung, dissolve at lung pH and release insulin into systemic circulation reaching maximum concentration within 15 minutes. Anatomical illustration of pulmonary insulin delivery (mobile view)

The lungs are well suited for ultra-rapid delivery6,11

When inhaled, these microparticles are appropriately sized to reach and deposit in the deep lung12,13
The pH in the lungs will cause dissolution of the microspheres, releasing insulin which rapidly reaches systemic circulation and attains maximum concentration within 15 minutes12

AFREZZA is absorbed through the lungs without having to change molecular structure, pass through SC tissue, or undergo first-pass metabolism, thereby facilitating ultra-rapid absorption and ultra-rapid onset2,5,14

AUC, area under curve; GIR, glucose infusion rate; MGTT, mean glucose tolerance test; PD, pharmacodynamics; RAA, rapid-acting analog; SC, subcutaneous; SC RAA, subcutaneous rapid-acting analog; T1D, type 1 diabetes.

References: 1. Grant M, Heise T, Baughman R. Comparison of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of inhaled Technosphere insulin and subcutaneous insulin lispro in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2022;61(3):413-422. 2. AFREZZA. Prescribing information. MannKind Corporation; 2026. 3. Data on file (PK/PD). MannKind Corporation. 4. Data on file (PD Graph). MannKind Corporation. 5. Caumo A, Bergman RN, Cobelli C. Insulin sensitivity from meal tolerance tests in normal subjects: a minimal model index. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85(11):4396-4402. 6. Heinemann L, Baughman R, Boss A, Hompesch M. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a novel inhaled insulin. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2017;11(1):148-156. 7. Rave K, Heise T, Heinemann L, Boss AH. Inhaled Technosphere insulin in comparison to subcutaneous regular human insulin: time action profile and variability in subjects with type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2008;2(2):205-212. 8. Levin P, Hoogwerf BJ, Snell-Bergeon J, Vigers T, Pyle L, Bromberger L. Ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Endocr Pract. 2021;27(5):449-454. 9. FIASP. Prescribing information. Novo Nordisk; 2023. 10. LYUMJEV. Prescribing information. Eli Lilly and Company; 2022. 11. Heinemann L, Parkin CG. Rethinking the viability and utility of inhaled insulin in clinical practice. J Diabetes Res. 2018:4568903. 12. Sarala N, Bengalorkar G, Bhuvana K. Technosphere: new drug delivery system for inhaled insulin. Fut Prescriber. 2012;13:14-16. 13. Leone-Bay A, Baughman R, Smutney C, Kocinsky J. Innovation in drug delivery by inhalation. OnDrugDelivery Magazine. 2010;4-8. 14. Data on file (Effect of different doses). MannKind Corporation. 15. Grant M, Harris E, Leone-Bay A, Rousseau K. Technosphere®/insulin: method of action. Poster presented at: Diabetes Technology Society Meeting; November 2-4, 2006; Atlanta, GA.

Indications and Usage:

Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder is a rapid acting inhaled human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use: Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, not recommended in patients who smoke or have recently stopped smoking.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE

  • Acute bronchospasm has been observed in AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  • AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD.
  • Before initiating AFREZZA, perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV1) to identify potential lung disease in all patients.