Cipla launches needle free insulin Afrezza in India; Details here

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. opened higher after the company announced the launch of Afrezza insulin inhalation powder in India. The product marks Cipla’s entry into a needle free insulin delivery option for diabetes patients in the country.

Cipla had received regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation late last year for the exclusive distribution and marketing of Afrezza.

The product is a rapid acting, orally inhaled insulin that offers an alternative to traditional injectable insulin therapy.

The launch is expected to benefit a large patient base, as nearly 10 crore adults in India are currently living with diabetes mellitus.

Afrezza is available as an insulin inhalation powder packed in single use cartridges and is administered through a small inhaler device.

The process involves selecting the prescribed dose cartridge, loading it into the inhaler, inhaling the insulin and then removing the cartridge. The therapy is typically started with the largest meal of the day and can be adjusted depending on patient needs.

Developed and manufactured by MannKind Corporation in the US, Afrezza dissolves quickly after inhalation and starts lowering blood glucose levels within about 12 minutes. This closely mimics the body’s natural insulin response.

The rapid onset and needle free delivery are designed to improve treatment adherence and help patients achieve quicker glycaemic control. The therapy is suitable for adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Healthcare experts have long pointed out that fear of injections and the inconvenience of daily dosing often lead patients to delay or discontinue insulin therapy. Cipla believes that this differentiated delivery system can help address these emotional and practical barriers, strengthening diabetes care outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Achin Gupta, Global Chief Operating Officer of Cipla Ltd., said the company’s focus has always been on improving access to quality healthcare.

He said the introduction of Afrezza in India reflects this commitment, as it simplifies insulin delivery and reduces the challenges associated with daily injections. Gupta added that with Cipla’s reach and focus on patient well being, the company hopes to help millions of Indians manage diabetes with greater confidence and comfort.