Pfizer claims efficacy of Exubera against diabetes

According to the company, a second eight-day, exploratory study with Exubera and Lantus in patients with type 2 diabetes not controlled with multiple diabetes pills showed that daily blood sugar levels were lower with Exubera at the end of treatment. These data add to the growing body of evidence that Exubera is a beneficial treatment option in the management of diabetes.

The most common adverse event was hypoglycaemia which decreased over time from 2.9 episodes/subject-month after 1 month of Exubera therapy to 1.7 episode/subject-month after 8 years of therapy. Over the eight years of the study, the three most common respiratory adverse events were respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold, cough and pharyngitis (sore throat).

Dr Mark Burge, from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, department of medicine, said: “It’s exciting that eight-year Exubera data are available so quickly after this medicine has become available to physicians and patients because it supports the safety and efficacy of Exubera. These data should reassure both patients and physicians that people with diabetes can use Exubera safely and effectively over an extended period.”

Dr Rochelle Chaiken, endocrinologist and cardiovascular medical group leader said: “The results of these two studies further support the role of Exubera as a first insulin option in the management of type 2 diabetes. Given the progressive nature of diabetes and the challenges related to treating and managing the disease over time, we are committed to educating physicians and patients about the critical role that earlier insulin initiation may play in managing this disease.”