Baxter reports results of inhaled insulin study

Baxter Healthcare has announced the results of a phase I clinical study investigating pulmonary insulin administered by a standard dry-powder inhaler and manufactured by the firm’s Promaxx microsphere technology.

The results of the trial involving 30 patients showed that pulmonary insulin could be administered to the deep lung using a typical dry powder inhaler intended for drug delivery to the upper airway.

Recombinant human insulin inhalation powder is manufactured using Promaxx microsphere technology and is designed to not require inactive ingredients to enable drug delivery.

Data recently presented to the Respiratory Drug Delivery Europe 2007 Conference in Paris indicated that this insulin powder exhibited a faster onset of action than insulin administered through subcutaneous injection, while total metabolic effect and duration of action were comparable.

Peter J Arduini, corporate vice-president and president of medication delivery at Baxter, said: “We are very excited to share these results that illustrate the strong potential of Promaxx technology.”

He added that the company was anticipating collaboration with partner companies for the application of this technology for use in proteins and peptides.

Last week, Baxter reported sales and earnings figures for the first quarter of the 2007 fiscal year that exceeded the company’s expectations, with the firm consequently increasing its full-year financial outlook.