Insulin analogue

An insulin analogue is a type of <a href="/facts/Insulin_(medication)/g6rdgDMJ">medical insulin</a> that has been modified to alter its <a href="/facts/Pharmacokinetics/x4CUUnle">pharmacokinetic properties</a> while maintaining the same biological function as <a href="/facts/Insulin/oXG0myt1">human insulin</a>. These modifications are achieved through <a href="/facts/Genetic_engineering/vwdlDR61">genetic engineering</a>, which allows for changes in the <a href="/facts/Protein_primary_structure/QNBoERdu">amino acid sequence</a> of insulin to optimize its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (<a href="/facts/ADME/fPpj3sEW">ADME</a>) characteristics.
All Insulin analogues work by enhancing glucose uptake in tissues and reducing glucose production by the <a href="/facts/Liver/Rtp4Fk2b">liver</a>. They are prescribed for conditions such as <a href="/facts/Type_1_diabetes/IkuQadGx">type 1 diabetes</a>, <a href="/facts/Type_2_diabetes/zCMXksmt">type 2 diabetes</a>, <a href="/facts/Gestational_diabetes/1Nn5kF5G">gestational diabetes</a>, and diabetes-related complications such as <a href="/facts/Diabetic_ketoacidosis/QhhbSbeM">diabetic ketoacidosis</a>. Additionally, insulin is sometimes administered alongside glucose to treat elevated blood potassium levels (<a href="/facts/Hyperkalemia/epfvUg5w">hyperkalemia</a>).
Insulin analogues are classified based on their <a href="/facts/Pharmacodynamics/zdvfFshl">duration of action</a>. Short-acting (bolus) insulin analogues, such as <a href="/facts/Insulin_lispro/cUkTfhDl">insulin lispro</a>, <a href="/facts/Insulin_aspart/pkVkRzFl">insulin aspart</a>, and <a href="/facts/Insulin_glulisine/Ng7ytAD8">insulin glulisine</a>, have been designed to be absorbed quickly, mimicking the natural insulin response after meals. Long-acting (basal) insulin analogues, including <a href="/facts/Insulin_glargine/NSbBH0V0">insulin glargine</a>, <a href="/facts/Insulin_detemir/GvbtK4wS">insulin detemir</a>, and <a href="/facts/Insulin_degludec/f69mdJUr">insulin degludec</a>, provide a sustained release of insulin to maintain basal blood glucose levels over an extended period. These modifications enhance the predictability of insulin therapy and reduce the risk of <a href="/facts/Hypoglycemia/BlAmuP6k">hypoglycemia</a> compared to regular human insulin.
Lispro, the first insulin analogue, was approved in 1996. This was followed by an influx of new analogues with differing pharmacokinetic properties. The first long-acting analogue, insulin glargine, was approved in 2000. Insulin aspart, insulin glulisine, and insulin detemir were all approved by 2005. The second wave of insulin analogues, which includes insulin degludec and <a href="/facts/Insulin_icodec/lR48GF2J">insulin icodec</a>, started in the mid 2010s.

Insulin analogue open-in-new

Insulin analogue