Inhaled Insulin Product Linked to Lung Cancer

Exubera, an inhaled insulin delivery system, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Pfizer released this statement today:

"Over the course of the clinical trial program, 6 of the 4,740 Exubera-treated patients versus 1 of the 4,292 patients not treated with Exubera developed lung cancer. In addition there was a post-marketing report of lung cancer in one Exubera-treated patient."

All affected patients had a prior smoking history. It is not yet clear whether Exubera aggravates cancer risk in smokers and former smokers or the link is simply coincidental. The company is updating product labeling to reflect the findings.

On October 18, 2007, Pfizer announced its plan to discontinue the product after disappointing sales.