Pfizer Inc. renewed positive momentum (some might say, hype?) over its inhalable insulin product Exubera. The company announced two-year data on Exubera showing that the product is as effective as insulin shots. The results show that not only does Exubera control blood sugar as well as insulin shots, but also that it results in less weight gain amongst users. The weight gain issues is an added bonus that no doubt will help many patients make up their minds whether or not to make the switch to Exubera...if they can afford it, that is, as the product won't come cheap. Co-pays as high as $50 seem likely - eek! How outrageous is that??
On the down side, the data also confirmed that Exubera has a slightly negative effect on lung function--more so than that caused by insulin shots.
Pfizer made its announcement at the American Diabetes Association's conference, now under way in Washington.
