protamine zinc insulin

Insulin zinc protamine (also known as protamine zinc insulin, or PZI) is a long-acting basal insulin formulation. It consists of human insulin complexed with protamine (a polycationic protein derived from fish) and zinc, which creates a crystalline suspension that slows the absorption of insulin from the subcutaneous injection site, thereby extending its duration of action. As a biologic therapeutic, it acts as an agonist at the insulin receptor to regulate blood glucose by promoting cellular glucose uptake, inhibiting hepatic glucose production, and supporting glycogen synthesis. While primarily used in the management of diabetes mellitus, it is being evaluated in clinical trials, such as the pilot phase 4 study by the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, for its potential to reduce glycemic variability and hypoglycemic events in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment, with the goal of arresting functional decline or conversion to Alzheimer's disease.

Brand names

IletinIletin II PZI

Other names

insulin zinc protamineprotamine zinc insulin suspensionprotamine zinc insulin injection