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Data updated: Mar 10, 2026

AFREZZA

INSULIN RECOMBINANT HUMAN
Metabolic Approved 2014-06-27

AFREZZA is a rapid-acting inhaled human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus. It serves as a therapeutic option for managing blood sugar levels, though it is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Use of this medication is also not recommended in patients who smoke or who have recently stopped smoking.

Source: FDA Label • MANNKIND • Insulin

How AFREZZA Works

This medication lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and fat and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. It further regulates metabolism by inhibiting lipolysis in adipocytes and inhibiting proteolysis. Additionally, the insulin enhances protein synthesis to assist in glycemic management.

Source: FDA Label
3
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
11
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2014-06-27
Routes
INHALATION
Dosage Forms
POWDER

Companies

Active Ingredient: INSULIN RECOMBINANT HUMAN

AFREZZA Approval History

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What AFREZZA Treats

1 indications

AFREZZA is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2014. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Diabetes
Source: FDA Label

AFREZZA Boxed Warning

RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE Acute bronchospasm has been observed in AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Before initiating AFREZZA, perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV 1 ) to identify potential lung disease in all...

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

AFREZZA FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

AFREZZA ® is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus. AFREZZA ® is a rapid acting inhaled human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use : Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Not recommended in patients who smoke or who have recently stopped smoking Limitations of Use: AFREZZA is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) [see Warning and Precautions ] . The safety and effectiveness of AFREZZA in patients who smoke have not been established...

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE Acute bronchospasm has been observed in AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung dis...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.