FDA APPROVES INHALABLE VERSION OF INSULIN

According to this article in the Washington Post, Pfizer Inc. hopes to begin selling Exubera, the first inhalable version of insulin to win federal approval, by midyear.

Use of rapid-acting inhaled insulin will not replace the need to inject the hormone occasionally. In clinical trials, Exubera managed blood sugar levels just as well as injected insulin.

An FDA review expressed concern about some patients who experienced coughing or a slight decrease in lung capacity when using the drug. Diabetics with asthma, poorly controlled or unstable lung disease, or a smoking habit shouldn't use Exubera, the FDA said.

A daily supply of Exubera will cost about $4 to $5. Treatment with injected insulin costs $1 to $1.50.