Exubera (insulin human)

Exubera is a rapid-acting, dry-powder formulation of recombinant human insulin designed for pulmonary delivery via a specialized inhalation device. Developed by Nektar Therapeutics in collaboration with Pfizer and Sanofi, it was the first inhaled insulin to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug functions as an agonist at the insulin receptor, mimicking the physiological action of endogenous insulin to regulate glucose metabolism. Despite its innovative delivery mechanism, Exubera was withdrawn from the market in 2007, shortly after its launch, due to commercial underperformance, the bulkiness of the inhaler, and concerns regarding its long-term impact on pulmonary function.

Brand names

Exubera

Other names

inhaled human insulinhuman insulin (rDNA origin) inhalation powder