ABPI backs innovative insulin delivery systems

Pharmaceutical companies are looking for innovative ways to deliver medication to patients with diabetes, according to a report from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

The industry body said that firms were looking at several different new techniques to deliver insulin, including transdermal patches, inhaled powder, liquid insulin inhalers and insulin sprays.

The treatment systems are designed to help people who are put off by daily injections, needed by Type 1 diabetes sufferers who cannot produce insulin themselves.

“Diabetes has been diagnosed in as many as two million people in the UK, with many more believed to have the condition but not yet diagnosed,” said Dr Richard Barker, chairman of the ABPI.

“While it can be kept relatively stable in the majority of patients, it does require careful attention to regulating the condition.”

He added: “The UK-based pharmaceutical industry is putting great effort into finding new and improved answers to both types of diabetes, with large numbers of potential medicines at various stages of development, and there are some exciting prospects for finding alternatives to injections.”

Diabetes currently makes up nine per cent of total NHS spending, and is expected to grow as much as 30 per cent by 2040.

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