MannKind Announces FDA Accepts for Review its sBLA for Inhaled Insulin in Children & Adolescents


MannKind Corporation recently announced the US FDA has accepted the supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) seeking approval for Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder in children and adolescents living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The application has been assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of May 29, 2026.

“Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to offering young children and teenagers living with diabetes a potential alternative therapy to multiple daily injections or an insulin pump system,” said Dr. Kevin Kaiserman, M.D., Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Endocrine Diseases at MannKind Corporation. “Inhaled insulin has been available to adults for over a decade, and we are excited about the potential of adding this treatment choice for the pediatric population.”

The sBLA is based on results from the Phase 3 INHALE-1 study in children and adolescents between the ages of 4-17 who are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The 26-week open-label, randomized clinical trial evaluated Afrezza in combination with basal insulin vs. multiple daily injections (MDI) with basal insulin. Six-month topline results from INHALE-1 were reported in December 2024. The submission also included safety data from the study’s 26-week extension phase in which all remaining MDI patients switched to Afrezza. Full results will be shared at the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) in early November.

Afrezza was first approved by the FDA for adults (age 18+) in June 2014 and is also approved in India and Brazil. It is recognized as part of the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care.

Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder is a rapid-acting inhaled human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use: Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis or in patients that smoke or have recently stopped smoking.

Important Safety Information
WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE

  • Acute bronchospasm has been observed in Afrezza-treated patients with asthma and COPD
  • Afrezza is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD
  • Before initiating Afrezza, perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV1) to identify potential lung disease in all patients.

Most common adverse reactions are hypoglycemia, cough, and throat pain or irritation.

Please see additional Important Safety Information, Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, available on Afrezza.com/safety.

About MannKind
MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming chronic disease care through innovative, patient-centric solutions. Focused on cardiometabolic and orphan lung diseases, we develop and commercialize treatments that address serious unmet medical needs, including diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and fluid overload in heart failure and chronic kidney disease. With deep expertise in drug-device combinations, MannKind aims to deliver therapies designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Learn more at mannkindcorp.com.