In 2014 Mannkind and Sanofi agreed that Sanofi would take over manufacturing and marketing of Afrezza, but Sanofi said it was dropping the effort in January 2016 due to poor sales of $7.5 million in 2015; the companies formally terminated the agreement in November 2016.

The microparticle used in Afrezza consists of two main components: human insulin in its most basic form, combined with an inactive ingredient. These microparticles are inhaled deeply into the lungs, where they are quickly absorbed into the body.

With Afrezza®, insulin is delivered through the large surface area of the lungs, which allows for ultra rapid absorption. The insulin passes through your lungs into your blood in less than 1 minute. Your blood sugar starts to lower in about 12 minutes.

Afrezza insulin is not discontinued and is available by prescription for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Early Inhaled Insulin People thought the inhaler was too big and clunky. (The Afrezza inhaler is much smaller.) Later, the FDA was concerned that Exubera might cause lung problems including cancer.

In a study, some AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma, whose asthma medication was temporarily withheld, experienced sudden lung problems. Do not use AFREZZA if you have long-term (chronic) lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Afrezza® inhaled insulin is safe, effective and FDA approved. The most common side effects are: low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cough, and sore throat.

People taking Afrezza® may experience some side effects. Since Afrezza® is an inhaled powder, you may experience a cough when you start Afrezza®. Other common side effects of inhaled insulin therapy may include low blood sugar and a sore throat. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

Because of changes in pulmonary lung function affecting absorption of the drug and potentially leading to increased hypo- or hyperglycemia risk, Exubera was also contraindicated in patients with unstable or poorly controlled lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.