Cipla Launches Afrezza Inhalable Insulin for Diabetes Care

Cipla has launched Afrezza, a rapid-acting inhalable insulin, marking a new addition to diabetes treatment options in India. The product offers a needle-free alternative to injectable mealtime insulin and is aimed at improving ease of use and treatment adherence among patients with diabetes.

Afrezza is administered as a dry powder through a small, portable inhaler using single-use cartridges. The insulin is inhaled at the beginning of meals, allowing for faster absorption compared to traditional subcutaneous injections. The product received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for marketing and distribution in India, enabling Cipla to introduce the therapy nationwide.

According to industry estimates, India has close to 100 million adults living with diabetes, many of whom require insulin as part of long-term disease management. Despite clinical need, insulin initiation and adherence remain low, largely due to fear of injections, inconvenience, and social stigma. Cipla stated that the inhaled format is intended to address these barriers and support more consistent treatment.

Afrezza is indicated for use in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients who need rapid-acting insulin to control post-meal blood glucose levels. Clinical data from global markets show that inhaled insulin reaches the bloodstream quickly and is eliminated faster than injected insulin, which may reduce the risk of late hypoglycaemia when used appropriately.

Originally developed by US-based MannKind Corporation, Afrezza has been available in select international markets for several years. Under the Indian arrangement, Cipla will oversee sales, marketing, and distribution, leveraging its established presence in respiratory and chronic care therapies.

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The launch aligns with Cipla’s focus on expanding its chronic disease portfolio and introducing differentiated therapies in India. With diabetes prevalence continuing to rise, the company said inhalable insulin could offer physicians and patients an additional option in personalised diabetes management, particularly for those struggling with injectable regimens