Pfizer reports pulmonary safety of Exubera

Pfizer has announced the results of a three-year interim analyses of clinical trials assessing the effect of type two diabetes treatment Exubera (insulin human [rDNA origin]) inhalation powder on lung function in patients.

The company reports that patients receiving the compound exhibited small and non-progressive mean declines in lung function, with this decline reversing when the treatment was discontinued.

When treatment with the compound was re-started, the decline in lung function seen was comparable to that in first-time users of the drug.

Furthermore, Pfizer reports that patients administered with Exubera maintained their blood sugar control and in general weighed less than patients receiving injected doses of insulin.

Dr William Cefalu, chief of the division of nutrition and chronic diseases at the Pennington Biomedical Research Centre, said: “These data further our understanding of the pulmonary profile of Exubera.”

He added that the compound is a “highly effective” treatment option that will aid diabetes patients in their efforts to control blood sugar levels.

Pfizer notes that some patients have been receiving Exubera for up to eight years, while the company is dedicated to improving the knowledge of doctors and patients regarding the value of the early use of insulin in managing diabetes.

In September 2006, Pfizer claimed that Exubera can be used by diabetes patients despite their respiratory illnesses, such as exposure to passive smoke or respiratory infections.