Pfizer to Stop Making Exubera

On October 18, 2007, Pfizer announced that it will no longer be making Exubera, and it will be returning the worldwide rights for Exubera Inhalation Powder back to Nektar.1  Nektar holds the patent for the delivery system used in Exubera.1 Pfizer has decided that despite their efforts to market this medicine and unique delivery system, there are simply not enough patients using it.  Thus, it is not worth the monetary loss to continue to market and manufacture Exubera. The company would like to emphasize that this is not a product recall, and patients are not in danger of harm by taking Exubera.1  At the same time, Pfizer would like for physicians to start changing their patients’ insulin from Exubera to another product using the guidelines found at  http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/shortages/exubera_dear_doctor_letter.pdf .1   

Pfizer plans to send out a letter to Exubera patients explaining its decision in the discontinuation of the product.  Pfizer will reassure patients that there is no safety risk associated with Exubera and to contact their healthcare provider about their insulin therapy.  

Reference:

1.  http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/shortages/exubera_dear_doctor_letter.pdf

Prepared By:  Lindsey Gorrell, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate