- In April 2024, MannKind Corporation, a key player in inhalable insulin, announced the initiation of a new Phase 3 clinical trial in Europe for its flagship product Afrezza. The study aims to evaluate the long-term pulmonary safety and efficacy of inhaled insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes. This marks a significant step in expanding the regulatory footprint of Afrezza across European markets and underscores MannKind’s strategic commitment to global expansion and innovation in non-invasive insulin delivery
- In March 2024, Dance Biopharm (rebranded as Aerami Therapeutics) revealed its partnership with a leading Asian pharmaceutical firm to co-develop and commercialize its inhalable insulin platform AER-501. This collaboration aims to accelerate access to needle-free insulin delivery in high-prevalence markets such as China and India. The alliance combines Dance’s inhalation technology with regional expertise to address unmet clinical needs and support broader patient adoption
- In February 2024, Sanofi announced an investment in the development of a next-generation inhalable insulin formulation with extended stability and room-temperature shelf life. The R&D initiative focuses on improving patient adherence in lower-resource settings and expanding Sanofi’s diabetes care portfolio. The company also indicated potential pilot testing in Latin America by late 2025, targeting affordability and scalability
- In January 2024, Cipla Ltd., a major Indian pharmaceutical company, disclosed its plan to enter the inhalable insulin segment via a strategic acquisition of a local biotech startup specializing in pulmonary drug delivery. The move is expected to bolster Cipla's pipeline of diabetes therapeutics and introduce a cost-effective inhaled insulin product in India by 2026. This development reflects growing domestic interest and investment in needle-free diabetic solutions
- In December 2023, Biocon Biologics, a biosimilar leader, completed pre-clinical trials for its proprietary inhalable insulin candidate, demonstrating bioequivalence with traditional subcutaneous insulin. The company plans to enter Phase 1 human trials in 2025. Biocon’s entry signals increasing competition in this niche market and represents India’s push toward more patient-friendly biologic innovations
