Cipla announced the commercial launch of Afrezza® — the first and only ultra-rapid-acting inhaled insulin available in India — marking a major milestone in diabetes care. This launch introduces a needle-free alternative to traditional injectable insulin for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, addressing one of the biggest barriers in insulin therapy: fear or discomfort with injections.(cipla.com)
Afrezza®
(insulin human) Inhalation Powder is a dry-powder insulin formulated to be inhaled
through a small handheld inhaler. Developed and manufactured by the MannKind
Corporation (USA), it delivers insulin via the lungs and begins lowering
blood glucose in roughly 12 minutes, closely mirroring the body’s
natural insulin response after meals. The product uses single-use cartridges
that are loaded into the inhaler and activated by a simple breath — eliminating
needles entirely for mealtime insulin.(cipla.com)
Why This Matters for India
India has
one of the world’s largest diabetes populations, with an estimated over 10
crore (100 million+) adults living with the disease, many of whom
eventually require insulin therapy. Traditional injectable insulin regimens —
often multiple times per day — can result in poor adherence due to discomfort,
inconvenience, and social stigma. Afrezza® aims to bridge this gap by
offering a more convenient, user-friendly, and less invasive
insulin option.(India Today)
How Afrezza® Works
- 💨 Needle-free
Delivery — Inhaled via a small device with single-use cartridges that
dissolve quickly in the lungs.(Indian Pharma Post)
- ⏱ Rapid Action —
Starts lowering blood glucose ~12 minutes after inhalation, acting faster
than many injectable mealtime insulins.(cipla.com)
- 🍽 Mealtime
Control — Typically taken at the start of the largest meal, with
dosing adjustable as needed.(cipla.com)
For type
1 diabetes patients, Afrezza® is used in combination with long-acting
insulin, as it only serves as mealtime (prandial) insulin. It is not
a substitute for basal insulin.(Afrezza)
Benefits and Challenges
Key Advantages
✔ Needle-free and Less Painful:
Ideal for patients with needle aversion or injection anxiety.(NewsX)
✔ Faster Onset: Closely mimics the body’s
natural insulin response after meals.(cipla.com)
✔ Convenience: Portable, discreet, and rapid
dosing that fits modern lifestyles.(Indian Pharma Post)
Considerations
⚠ Lung
Health: Not suitable for patients with chronic lung conditions (e.g.,
asthma, COPD) — lung function assessment is recommended before use.(Afrezza)
⚠ Not a Complete Replacement: Does not eliminate the need for basal
insulin in type 1 diabetes.(Afrezza)
Possible Pricing (India & Globally)
While
official Indian price lists from Cipla are not widely published yet, here’s
what current indications and similar markets suggest:
India (Indicative Retail Price)
- On Indian pharmacy
aggregator sites, Afrezza cartridges (e.g., 30-count 12 IU pack)
are listed at about ₹4,500–₹4,600.(mrmed.in)
Note: Actual pricing in India may vary by region,
pharmacy, dose strength (e.g., 4 IU, 8 IU, 12 IU), and any introductory pricing
or insurance reimbursements.
U.S. / International Reference
- In the U.S., Afrezza
is often listed at around $99 (≈ ₹8,200) per box for 90 cartridges
through certain direct programs, or higher (several hundred USD) via
retail pharmacies.(eaglepharmacy.com)
- Without insurance or
discounts, U.S. cash prices can range significantly, often above $450–$590
(≈ ₹37,000–₹48,000) for a similar pack size.(SingleCare)
💡
These are approximate figures. Cipla’s local pricing strategy in India —
likely to be competitive and tailored to the price-sensitive market — will be
disclosed formally by pharmacies and clinics as the product becomes widely
available.
The Road Ahead
Cipla is
not only commercializing Afrezza® but also planning awareness
campaigns and patient support programs to improve insulin adherence and
reduce stigma around insulin therapy. This includes education on inhaled
insulin use, guidance on dosing, and engagement with endocrinologists across
urban and rural India.(cipla.com)
With
India’s diabetes burden continuing to grow, Afrezza® represents a significant
advancement in patient-centric care — potentially improving quality of life
for millions managing diabetes daily.
Disclaimer
- Pricing information is
indicative and subject to change. Final prices in India will depend on
Cipla’s official market rollout, pharmacy pricing, and any insurance
coverage.
- Always consult a healthcare
provider or diabetes specialist before changing insulin regimens.
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only for educational purposes. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details. fittofitter.com does not claim responsibility for this information.
