Human insulin microcrystals with lactose carriers for pulmonary delivery.

Dry powder formulations for pulmonary delivery are attractive because many issues of solubility and stability can be minimized. Human insulin microcrystals with lactose carriers were produced for pulmonary delivery. The average particle diameter was 2.3 microm, with a narrow, monodispersed size distribution. The percentages of high molecular weight proteins (%HMWPs), other insulin-related compounds (%OIRCs), and A-21 desamido insulin (%D(es)) were very low throughout the microcrystal preparation process. Administration of the microcrystal powder by intratracheal insufflation significantly reduced the blood glucose levels of Sprague-Dawley rats. The percent minimum reductions of the blood glucose concentration (%MRBG) produced by the insulin microcrystal powder and by an insulin solution reached 40.4% and 33.4% of the initial glucose levels respectively, and their bioavailability relative to subcutaneous injection (F) was 15% and 10% respectively. These results confirm that the insulin microcrystal powder prepared is suitable for pulmonary delivery in an effective dosage form.