Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973) 972-7273
E-mail: capezzta@umdnj.edu

At UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
UMDNJ Researchers Are Testing "Inhaled Insulin" in Type 2 Diabetics
'Exubera' May Eliminate or Reduce Need For Insulin Injections

Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) are testing a new form of insulin that is administered through an inhaler and absorbed through the lungs.

This is a nationwide clinical trial to test inhaled insulin as a replacement for standard insulin injections in people with Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Stephen H. Schneider, a professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is heading the study. The drug being tested is called Exubera.

"Exubera is a formulation of insulin that is administered by an inhaler device similar to ones used by asthmatic patients," said Dr. Schneider, an endocrinologist. "The inhaler is loaded with medicated pellets that then are converted by the inhaler into a mist spray for application.

"Initially, many patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus can be controlled by one or more oral medications, such as Metformin," Dr. Schneider said. "But with continued progression of the disease, patients eventually require either a third medication or insulin injections because beta cells in the pancreas die. We're hopeful that this new form of insulin will be effective and enhance the quality of life for those with Type 2 diabetes."

Exubera was developed as a joint venture by researchers at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Aventis. The medical school is one of 60 sites nationwide participating in the 52-week study.

To be eligible for the study, potential volunteers with Type 2 diabetes must be between 18 to 80 years of age. Study participants must also be non-smokers and not currently taking insulin injections. In addition, the diabetes must be inadequately controlled by two oral medications. Individuals in the study will be required to inhale one mist prior to each meal.

As well as undergoing routine laboratory evaluations and physical examinations, those accepted into the study also will be required to take occasional pulmonary examinations to test their breathing functions. Participants also will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires on satisfaction and quality of life and will monitor their own blood sugar levels at home.

Those interested in volunteering for the study should call Shelley Greenhaus, research coordinator, at (732) 235-7751.

Some 16 million Americans have diabetes and about 60 percent of the United States population has the genetic background to develop Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetics produce varying levels of insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels, and often do not requiredaily insulin. Type 1 diabetics require daily insulin injections because no insulin is produced by the body.

The UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is one of three medical schools of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. UMDNJ comprises New Jersey's only medical schools, the state's only dental school, a nursing school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, a school of health related professions and a school of public health on campuses in Newark, Piscataway/New Brunswick, Camden, Stratford and Scotch Plains. UMDNJ also operates University Hospital, Newark, and University Behavioral HealthCare. It is affiliated with more than 200 health care institutions throughout the state.

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