Cipla Receives Approval for Afrezza Insulin, Sales Begin in India

Indian pharmaceutical company Cipla has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to distribute and market Afrezza, an inhaled insulin, in India. This approval marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand its diabetes care offerings in the Indian market.

Afrezza, manufactured by Mankind Corporation, is a rapid-acting insulin used to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The insulin works quickly, starting to take effect within 12 minutes of administration, and helps manage the rapid increase in blood sugar levels that occurs after meals.

Cipla has now been granted the rights to supply and sell Afrezza in India, with Mankind Corporation set to provide the insulin to Cipla for distribution. The approval follows extensive clinical research, including over 70 clinical studies involving more than 3,000 patients.

In India, clinical trials conducted on 216 patients have demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) levels, highlighting the effectiveness of Afrezza in managing diabetes.

This approval is expected to provide new treatment options for diabetes patients in India, offering a convenient alternative to traditional insulin injections.