India just took a huge step forward in diabetes care by introducing first inhalable insulin Afrezza, India’s first inhalable insulin, was officially launched by Cipla on 22 December 2025, following approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Developed by MannKind Corporation (USA). Afrezza offering a revolutionary alternative to injections for people living with diabetes.it introduces a needle-free, rapid-acting insulin option for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Afrezza starts working in just less than12 minutes, helping to control blood sugar spikes that usually come after eating. The effect of these lasts for about 2-3 hours and it closely resembles the body’s own response to insulin.
Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes
Although the data from the Indian experience is still emerging, the international trials and initial results within the Indian population include many beneficial outcomes for patients:
- Managing blood sugar after meals can help with handling peaks of sugar after eating.
- Helps to lower HbA1c levels, especially for people with Type 2 diabetes who are already taking oral diabetes medications.
- Tends to cause fewer low blood sugar episodes than some fast-acting injectable insulins, since it starts working quickly and doesn’t stay in the body for long.
- Higher patient satisfaction rates and compliance because it does not involve needles and is convenient to use.
- Less burden to the patient, particularly those with concerns related to injections.
What sets Afrezza apart is its ease of use. Instead of needles, it comes as a a dry powder that comes in cartridges and is breathed through a portable inhaler. The powder dissolves right away in the mouth and is quickly absorbed into the body. Clinical trials have validated that Afrezza reduces HbA1c levels when used orally. Moreover, people taking Afrezza have experienced fewer instances of hypoglycemic episodes and a less stressful treatment option
Why this is important for India: This launch is a big step forward for diabetes care in India, which has more than 77 million individuals with the disease. Many still rely on multiple daily injections just to manage their condition. Afrezza represents a powerful move toward better access, comfort, and control. Cipla’s goal is to make this breakthrough widely available, even in remote areas, so more people can manage their diabetes with confidence and comfort.
Afrezza is not just an innovation—its freedom delivered in a breath.
