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MannKind Unveils Next-Generation Inhalation System

06/08/09
MannKind Unveils Next-Generation Inhalation System

VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 8, 2009-- MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq:MNKD) announced today that it has begun clinical development of a next-generation inhalation system to optimize the delivery of drug powders based on the proprietary Technosphere® technology platform. The inhalation system is as small as a whistle and designed to be easy-to-use, discreet and patient-friendly when used with therapies such as the investigational ultra rapid acting insulin AFRESA® (insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder. The delivery system technology can also be used with other therapeutic proteins.

“The development of this new, compact inhalation delivery system is further evidence of MannKind's commitment to invest in the kind of technical innovation that will meet patient needs in a number of therapeutic areas,” said Hakan S. Edstrom, President and Chief Operating Officer of MannKind Corporation. “Our goals with this technology platform are to enhance drug delivery and performance, improve simplicity of use for patients and service the expanding market of patient self-administration.”

MannKind's proprietary Technosphere technology platform is based on a class of organic molecules that are designed to self-assemble into small particles onto which drug molecules can be loaded. The technology enables rapid systemic delivery of a broad range of therapeutic agents, including proteins, peptides and small molecule drugs, via oral inhalation to the deep lung utilizing MannKind's proprietary delivery systems.

About AFRESA®

AFRESA® is a novel, ultra rapid acting mealtime insulin therapy being studied for use in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus for the treatment of hyperglycemia. It is a drug-device combination product, consisting of AFRESA Inhalation Powder pre-metered into single use dose cartridges and the light, discreet and easy to use AFRESA Inhaler. Administered at the start of a meal, AFRESA dissolves immediately upon inhalation and delivers insulin quickly to the blood stream. Peak insulin levels are achieved within 12 to 14 minutes of administration, effectively mimicking the release of meal-time insulin observed in healthy individuals.

About MannKind Corporation

MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq:MNKD) focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic products for patients with diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Its diabetes pipeline includes AFRESA®, which has completed phase 3 clinical trials, and MKC253, which is currently in phase 1 clinical trials. MannKind has submitted an NDA to the FDA requesting approval of AFRESA for the treatment of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for the control of hyperglycemia. MannKind maintains a website at http://www.mannkindcorp.com to which MannKind regularly posts copies of its press releases as well as additional information about MannKind. Interested persons can subscribe on the MannKind website to e-mail alerts that are sent automatically when MannKind issues press releases, files its reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission or posts certain other information to the website.

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Source: MannKind Corporation

MannKind Corporation
Matthew J. Pfeffer
Corporate Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
661-775-5300
mpfeffer@mannkindcorp.com