A novel insulin formulation with a more rapid onset of action.

Aims/hypothesis: This study evaluates the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the novel ultra-fast insulin product VIAject, a formulation of human soluble insulin and generally recognised as safe ingredients designed to increase the rate of absorption.

Methods: We performed five euglycaemic glucose clamps (Biostator; target blood glucose 5 mmol/l) in ten healthy volunteers. Using a crossover design with a fixed treatment order, 12 IU human soluble insulin, 12 U insulin lispro and 12 IU ultra-fast insulin were injected s.c. in the abdominal region on three study days. On the other two study days, 6 and 3 IU ultra-fast insulin were injected.

Results: Subcutaneous injection of 12 IU ultra-fast insulin resulted in a time-action profile characterised by an even more rapid onset of action and maximal metabolic activity than insulin lispro: time to early half-maximal activity was 33 +/- 17 min (mean +/- SD) vs insulin lispro 51 +/- 13 min vs human soluble insulin 66 +/- 15 min (p < 0.05 ultra-fast insulin
Conclusions/interpretation: This study shows that the onset of action of VIAject is faster than that of human soluble insulin and insulin lispro.