Shreya Life Sciences announced the launch of the world's first oral insulin spray as an alternative to the insulin injections. Launched under the brand name, "Oral Recosulin", the spray is a recombinant DNA human insulin buccal spray and has been approved for marketing in India while in the U. S. it is in Phase 3 of the trials. Mr Ram Shelat, Director Shreya Life Sciences 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."

The spray has been developed in collaboration with U. S. based company Generex Biotechnology and has taken 12 years and cost $240 million to develop. "Approximately, it costs Rs 2,000 per pack and each pack offers 80 units," said Shelat. Initially Oral-Recosulin will be introduced to 1,500 people for six months in India. The drug used to treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes works by delivering insulin through buccal mucosa, directly to the vascular system without entering the lungs.

"Oral Recosulin provides freedom from limitations of conventional insulin therapy/devices. The new technology delivers insulin through buccal mucosa directly to the vascular system", said Shelat. The oral medication would offer an alternative to diabetics especially those with an injection phobia. "Oral Recosulin is a simple solution for a worldwide problem, as diabetics would prefer buccal delivery of the drug to injections".

India is home to 40 million diabetics and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has estimated that the number of diabetic patients in the country would rise to 57 million by the year 2025 making India, home to the largest diabetic population in the world. Diabetes is growing by 40% in developed countries and 170% in developing countries with the Indian diabetic market estimated to be about Rs 1722 crore, with a growth rate of 20 %.

The insulin market was worth Rs 520 crore, growing at a rate of 24%, while the oral anti diabetic market is Rs 1200 crore, growing at the rate of Rs 20 crore. William D Abajian, of Generex said, "Since India is globally recognized as the diabetes capital, it's an appropriate time to introduce pain-free Oral-Recosulin."