BANGALORE: Diabetes patients on insulin, suffering from acute injection phobia, have an alternative with the launch of Oral-Recosulin , a recombinant DNA human insulin buccal spray.

The spray, which is on phase-3 trial and yet to be launched in the US, has been approved for marketing in India.

Announcing the launch, Shreya Life Science Pvt Ltd, domestic business director Ram Shelat said: "It has been approved for marketing in India. We are waiting for price approval, and by the first week of December, it will be available in the Indian market."

For the treatment of both Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, Oral-Recosulin can be used. This buccal insulin spray is developed by Shreya Life Science Pvt Ltd's US collaborator Generex Biotechnology. Buccal spray delivers insulin through buccal mucosa, directly to the vascular system without entering the lungs.

"Approximately, it costs Rs 2,000 per pack and each pack offers 80 units," said Shelat.

For developing Oral-Recosulin, Generex Biotechnology has taken 12 years and spent $240 million. Oral-Recosulin as sales target will be introduced to 1,500 people for six months in India. "Since India is globally recognised as the diabetes capital, it's an appropriate time to introduce pain-free Oral-Recosulin," said William D Abajian , Generex.

With a 40-million diabetes population, the Indian diabetic market is around Rs 1,722.7 crore. According to a WHO report, diabetes is growing by 40% in developed countries and 170% in developing countries.