Cipla Launches First Inhalable Insulin Afrezza in India
Cipla introduces Afrezza, India's first inhalable insulin, revolutionizing diabetes care with a needle-free, rapid-acting option for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In a landmark moment for diabetes care in India, Cipla has launched Afrezza — the country’s first-ever inhalable insulin — offering a revolutionary alternative to injections for millions of patients. Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), this innovation is poised to transform how diabetes is managed, particularly for those living with a deep fear of needles.
Developed by Mannkind Corporation in the United States, Afrezza is a rapid-acting insulin that’s inhaled through a small, easy-to-use device just before meals. Unlike traditional insulin injections that can be uncomfortable and cumbersome, Afrezza brings a breath of freedom to patients who’ve struggled with daily needle pricks and insulin regimens.
Why This Matters So Much
India has one of the highest burdens of diabetes in the world, with more than 77 million adults affected, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Yet, countless patients delay or avoid insulin therapy altogether due to fear of injections, stigma, or difficulty managing complex dosing schedules.
For many, this isn’t just a health concern — it’s emotional, deeply personal, and life-altering. The launch of Afrezza is more than just a medical advancement — it’s a compassionate response to those silently struggling with their diabetes journey.
How Afrezza Works
Afrezza is designed for adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes who require mealtime insulin. It is absorbed rapidly through the lungs, reaching peak action within 12 to 15 minutes — a dramatic improvement over some injectables that take 30 minutes or more.
Delivered via a small, portable inhaler, it offers unmatched convenience and discretion. Whether you're at work, traveling, or sitting down for a family meal, managing your diabetes no longer needs to involve syringes or insulin pens.
?? Cipla’s Vision for India
Cipla’s decision to introduce Afrezza is part of its broader mission to make advanced healthcare accessible and patient-centric in India. With this launch, Cipla joins the league of innovators working to make chronic disease management more humane, modern, and aligned with the lifestyle of today’s patient.
"We believe Afrezza can dramatically increase compliance and improve quality of life for many Indian patients,” a Cipla spokesperson stated. “Our goal is to ease the burden of diabetes management, especially for those who’ve resisted insulin due to the fear of injections.”
This launch doesn’t just signal a shift in diabetes treatment options — it reshapes the entire narrative around insulin therapy in India. Patients now have a real choice, one that acknowledges their lived experiences and emotional barriers.
It also places pressure on other players in the insulin market to innovate or rethink traditional delivery models. Afrezza could very well spark a new era in diabetes care where comfort, speed, and lifestyle adaptability are just as important as clinical efficacy.
? Sources:
Mannkind Corporation product details
CDSCO drug approval listings
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) statistics
Cipla press statements