The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eli Lilly and Company’s Baqsimi (glucagon) nasal powder 3 mg to treat severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients four years of age and older. It is the first and only nasally-dosed glucagon, which is indicated for diabetic patients undergoing a severe drop in blood sugar. Previously it was only administered by a complicated injection system.
The company indicates the Baqsimi system is compact, portable and ready to use.
Severe hypoglycemia is an emergency situation in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. If untreated, it can have serious consequences, including passing out, seizures, coma and death.
“Severe hypoglycemia is an unpredictable event for people with diabetes that can happen anytime, anywhere,” stated Sherry Martin, vice president of Lilly Medical Affairs. “It’s an experience that can be very stressful and difficult for those helping a person in a low blood sugar emergency. The FDA’s approval of Baqsimi may help people prepare for these moments with an innovative product that has the simplicity of nasal administration.”
