Recent challenges in insulin delivery systems: a review

Abstract

Relatively, a large percentage of world population is affected by diabetes mellitus, out of which approximately 5-10% with type 1 diabetes while the remaining 90% with type 2. Insulin administration is essential for type 1 patients while it is required at later stage by the patients of type 2. Current insulin delivery systems are available as transdermal injections which may be considered as invasive. Several non-invasive approaches for insulin delivery are being pursued by pharmaceutical companies to reduce the pain, and hypoglycemic incidences associated with injections in order to improve patient compliance. While any new insulin delivery system requires health authorities' approval, to provide long term safety profile and insuring patients' acceptance. The inhalation delivery system Exubera((R)) has already become clinically available in the United States and Europe for patients with diabetes as non-invasive delivery system.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Exubera®; insulin; non-invasive delivery systems.

Fig. 1

Exubera^® insulin inhaler with insulin blisters and the inhaler's insulin release unit (bottom left). The device is closed (left) for portability and extended (right) before use (Pfizer).

Fig. 2

AERx^® insulin diabetes management system is an electromechanical device that delivers insulin from solution at correct rate and depth of breathing (Novo Nordisk). The device has capabilities of dosing increments by single-unit and data capture for dosing and compliance monitoring.