Editor’s Note, DCMS #206

When Al Mann first said he was going to develop an inhaled insulin, many thought he was beating a dead horse after the collective experiences with Exubera. They forgot that Al had already built the most successful pump company of all times, and that he did not like to fail. When Afrezza was approved, the comments ranged from ridiculous to, "Oh well, that drug will never sell," and when Sanofi purchased the rights the naysayers said it was a desperate purchase to stave off the loss of Lantus sales.

Unlike almost everyone else, our publisher Steve Freed had a different opinion and because of that he tracked Mr. Mann down and the two spent considerable time discussing how Al got into the diabetes business, his early successes, and why he poured so much of his personal time and fortune into making Afrezza real.

Check out Steve’s interview with Al, and also check out our Homerun Slides where we compare the device to the old Exubera inhaler and how the onset of activity is different than any insulin you have ever seen.

This week, we complete the Diabetes Epidemic series from the IDF by looking at North America and the Caribbean. Our Mastery In Minutes video discusses the idea of "healthy obesity" and whether there is such a thing.