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