Pfizer - Exubera: waiting to inhale

The EU decision to approve Pfizers' inhaled insulin Exubera on Thursday has come just before the FDA is expected to make its own determination on its future in the U.S.

The press release says:

"Exubera is a fast-acting, dry powder formulation of human insulin that is inhaled into the lungs via the mouth before meals using a simple-to-use, hand-held device that does not require batteries or electricity. The device,which weighs four ounces and is about the size of a carrying case for a pairof eye glasses, is designed to deliver an accurate and precise dose of insulin each time it is used."

But check out the "Important Safety Information" at the end (clearly Pfizers' lawyers have been all over this).

Insiders' view: I'm still worried about this one. It's a lot to ask of new technology in an unforgiving disease. The key will be patient selection and clear instructions as to when Exubera might not work.

Let's hope it's not oversold.