There is a global epidemic of diabetes

The estimated 382 million people with diabetes worldwide is expected to grow to 592 million in less than 25 years. Diabetes patients account for up to one third of healthcare costs in many regions the world over. A diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes after the age of 40 leads to an average decrease in lifespan of 13-14 years, as well as the deterioration in quality of life. But numerous studies have shown that better glucose control can extend life expectancy, improve quality of life and reduce the costs of managing diabetes and its complications.

The challenges of insulin injections

The long-term benefits of mealtime insulin therapy to control blood glucose for Type 2 diabetes patients have been consistently demonstrated. Many clinical studies have shown that insulin is not only most effective in controlling blood glucose, but also preserves pancreatic beta-cell function (insulin production) and slows progression. Although injected insulin is the gold standard for treatment, traditionally it has been the last drug taken by Type 2 diabetes patients (who make up about 90-95% of diabetes patients). Typically, patients delay taking mealtime insulin for 5-10 years, in order to avoid multiple daily injections as long as possible. Delaying insulin treatment or refusing to take injections eventually results in significant health consequences for the patients and enormous costs to health care systems.

How inhaled insulin can help

All major diabetes medical associations now recommend the introduction of insulin much earlier in the treatment process for Type 2 diabetes patients, and if glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is above 9% upon diagnosis and patients are symptomatic, insulin is recommended immediately.

In addition, around 3 million people living with Type 1 diabetes in the U.S. depend on taking insulin daily via injections or infusion pumps to keep them alive. This daily process is cumbersome, uncomfortable and expensive.

Dance-501 is a novel second-generation inhaled insulin product in that could resolve the problems inherent in the first-generation products. It’s a low-cost product that is designed to be small, discreet, and easy-to-use.