Insulin Lispro API Manufacturers & Suppliers
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Insulin lispro | CAS No: 133107-64-9 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that supports consistent glycemic control for adults and children with diabetes mellitus, providing fast‑acting prandial glucose management across key global markets.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- Insulin lispro is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus
Product Snapshot
- Insulin lispro is a recombinant injectable peptide supplied mainly as solutions or suspensions for subcutaneous, intravenous, or intramuscular administration
- It is used for glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus
- It is approved in major regulated markets including the US, Canada, and the EU
Clinical Overview
The molecule differs from human insulin by the reversal of lysine and proline at positions B28 and B29, reducing self‑association and enabling rapid dissociation into monomers after subcutaneous injection. These structural changes support an onset of action of approximately 10 to 15 minutes, a peak effect around 60 minutes, and a duration of 4 to 5 hours. Clinically, it is used as prandial or bolus insulin, frequently in combination with basal insulin regimens.
Insulin lispro exerts its pharmacologic effects by binding to the insulin receptor, activating intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, and triggering downstream signaling via IRS proteins, PI3K, and Akt pathways. These pathways regulate GLUT4‑mediated glucose uptake, promote glycogenesis and protein synthesis, and suppress hepatic glucose output and lipolysis. The analog is equipotent to human insulin on a molar basis, and concentration‑strength formulations such as U‑100 and U‑200 show comparable pharmacodynamic profiles in clamp studies.
Absorption occurs rapidly from the subcutaneous depot because its weakly associated zinc‑stabilized hexamers dissociate readily. Distribution and metabolism follow endogenous insulin pathways, with clearance largely mediated by receptor‑mediated uptake and proteolysis.
Safety considerations focus on hypoglycemia risk, which is influenced by dose timing, meal patterns, and concomitant therapies. Injection‑site reactions and allergic responses occur infrequently. The agent does not address the underlying causes of diabetes and requires careful titration to avoid acute glycemic excursions.
Humalog is a widely used brand, and global availability supports both vial and pen formats. For API procurement, sourcing should prioritize recombinant production quality, control of impurities, and batch‑to‑batch consistency to meet regulatory expectations for biologic peptide therapeutics.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Insulin lispro |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Biotech |
| CAS | 133107-64-9 |
| UNII | GFX7QIS1II |
| DrugBank ID | DB00046 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Insulin lispro is a rapid‑acting insulin analog designed to replicate physiologic postprandial insulin activity. It binds to insulin receptors, activating downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K–Akt that promote glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and anabolic processes. Structural modifications reduce hexamer stability, enabling faster dissociation to monomers and resulting in accelerated absorption and onset of action relative to regular human insulin. |
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| Mechanism of action | Insulin lispro binds to the insulin receptor (IR), a heterotetrameric protein consisting of two extracellular alpha units and two transmembrane beta units. The binding of insulin to the alpha subunit of IR stimulates the tyrosine kinase activity intrinsic to the beta subunit of the receptor. The bound receptor autophosphorylates and phosphorylates numerous intracellular substrates such as insulin receptor substrates (IRS) proteins, Cbl, APS, Shc and Gab 1. Activation of these proteins leads to the activation of downstream signaling molecules including PI3 kinase and Akt. Akt regulates the activity of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and protein kinase C (PKC), both of which play critical roles in metabolism and catabolism. In humans, insulin is stored in the form of hexamers; however, only insulin monomers are able to interact with IR. Reversal of the proline and lysine residues at positions B28 and B29 of native insulin eliminates hydrophobic interactions and weakens some of the hydrogen bonds that contribute to the stability of the insulin dimers that comprise insulin hexamers. Hexamers of insulin lispro are produced in the presence of zinc and <i>m</i>-cresol. These weakly associated hexamers quickly dissociate upon subcutaneous injection and are absorbed as monomers through vascular endothelial cells. These properties give insulin lispro its fast-acting properties. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Insulin is a natural hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas. In non-diabetic individuals, a basal level of insulin is supplemented with insulin spikes following meals. Increased insulin secretion following meals is responsible for the metabolic changes that occur as the body transitions from a postabsorptive to absorptive state. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of glucose, particularly in muscle and adipose tissues, promotes energy storage via glycogenesis, opposes catabolism of energy stores, increases DNA replication and protein synthesis by stimulating amino acid uptake by liver, muscle and adipose tissue, and modifies the activity of numerous enzymes involved in glycogen synthesis and glycolysis. Insulin also promotes growth and is required for the actions of growth hormone (e.g. protein synthesis, cell division, DNA synthesis). Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analogue used to mimic postprandial insulin spikes in diabetic individuals. The onset of action of insulin lispro is 10-15 minutes. Its activity peaks 60 minutes following subcutaneous injection and its duration of action is 4-5 hours. Compared to regular human insulin, insulin lispro has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action. Insulin lispro is also shown to be equipotent to human insulin on a molar basis. Insulin lispro has been shown to be equipotent to human insulin on a molar basis. One unit of insulin lispro has the same glucose-lowering effect as one unit of regular human insulin. Studies in normal volunteers and patients with diabetes demonstrated that insulin lispro has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of activity than regular human insulin when given subcutaneously. The pharmacodynamics of a single 20 unit dose of insulin lispro at 200 units/mL (HUMALOG U-200) administered subcutaneously were compared to the pharmacodynamics of a single 20 unit dose of insulin lispro at 100 units/mL (HUMALOG U-100) administered subcutaneously in a euglycemic clamp study enrolling healthy subjects. In this study, the overall, maximum, and time to maximum glucose lowering effect were similar between HUMALOG U-200 and HUMALOG U-100. The mean area under the glucose infusion rate curves (measure of overall pharmacodynamic effect) were 125 g and 126 g for HUMALOG U-200 and HUMALOG U-100, respectively. The maximum glucose infusion rate was 534 mg/min and 559 mg/min and the corresponding median time (min, max) to maximum effect were 2.8 h (0.5 h – 6.3 h) and 2.4 h (0.5 h – 4.7 h) for HUMALOG U-200 and HUMALOG U-100, respectively. |
Targets
| Target | Organism | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin receptor | Humans | agonist |
| Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor | Humans | activator |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | Studies in healthy volunteers and patients with diabetes demonstrated that insulin lispro is absorbed more quickly than regular human insulin, specifically at the abdominal, deltoid, or femoral subcutaneous sites. In healthy volunteers given subcutaneous doses of insulin lispro ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 unit/kg, peak serum levels were seen 30 to 90 minutes after dosing. When healthy volunteers received equivalent doses of regular human insulin, peak insulin levels occurred between 50 to 120 minutes after dosing. After insulin lispro was administered in the abdomen, serum drug levels were higher, and the duration of action was slightly shorter than after deltoid or thigh administration. Bioavailability of insulin lispro is similar to that of regular human insulin. The absolute bioavailability after subcutaneous injection ranges from 55% to 77% with doses between 0.1 to 0.2 unit/kg, inclusive. The mean observed area under the serum insulin concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity was 2360 pmol hr/L to 2390 pmol hr/L. The corresponding mean peak serum insulin concentration was 795 pmol/L to 909 pmol/L, and the median time to maximum concentration was 1.0 hour. |
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| Half-life | After subcutaneous administration of insulin lispro, the t<sub>1/2</sub> is shorter than that of regular human insulin (1 versus 1.5 hours, respectively).For intravenous administration, insulin lispro demonstrated a mean t<sub>1/2</sub> of 0.85 hours (51 minutes) and 0.92 hours (55 minutes), respectively for 0.1 unit/kg and 0.2 unit/kg doses, and regular human insulin mean t1/2 was 0.79 hours (47 minutes) and 1.28 hours (77 minutes), respectively for 0.1 unit/kg and 0.2 unit/kg doses. |
| Metabolism | Human metabolism studies have not been conducted. However, animal studies indicate that the metabolism of insulin lispro is identical to that of regular human insulin. |
| Volume of distribution | When administered intravenously as bolus injections of 0.1 and 0.2 U/kg dose in two separate groups of healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution of HUMALOG appeared to decrease with increase in dose (1.55 and 0.72 L/kg, respectively) in contrast to that of regular human insulin for which, the volume of distribution was comparable across the two dose groups (1.37 and 1.12 L/kg for 0.1 and 0.2 U/kg dose, respectively). |
| Clearance | When administered intravenously, insulin lispro and regular human insulin demonstrated similar dose-dependent clearance, with a mean clearance of 21.0 mL/min/kg and 21.4 mL/min/kg, respectively (0.1 unit/kg dose), and 9.6 mL/min/kg and 9.4 mL/min/kg, respectively (0.2 unit/kg dose). |
Formulation & handling
- Insulin lispro is a recombinant peptide biologic formulated as aqueous solutions or suspensions for parenteral use, primarily subcutaneous but also suitable for intravenous administration.
- As a protein therapeutic, it is sensitive to heat, agitation, and pH shifts, requiring cold-chain storage and avoidance of mixing with incompatible formulations.
- Concentration variants (100–200 U/mL) affect viscosity and device compatibility, with formulation stability dependent on preservatives and excipients used to prevent aggregation.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | Most core patent protections in the US and Canada expired between 2013 and 2015, with a final U.S. patent expiring in 2024, indicating a mature market with broad generic availability. Products are marketed across the US, Canada, and the EU, reflecting an established post‑exclusivity lifecycle. |
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| Markets | US, Canada, EU |
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Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Insulin lispro is produced primarily by a single originator, with distribution supported by multiple affiliated packaging and dispensing entities across the US, Canada, and the EU. Branded products have established global availability, indicating a mature supply network. Most core patents have expired, with the final US patent ending in 2024, enabling existing and expanding biosimilar competition. |
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Safety
| Toxicity | Inappropriately high dosages relative to food intake and/or energy expenditure may result in severe and sometimes prolonged and life-threatening hypoglycemia. Neurogenic (autonomic) signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include trembling, palpitations, sweating, anxiety, hunger, nausea and tingling. Neuroglycopenic signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include difficulty concentrating, lethargy/weakness, confusion, drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, headache, and dizziness. Mild hypoglycemia is characterized by the presence of autonomic symptoms. Moderate hypoglycemia is characterized by the presence of autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms. Individuals may become unconscious in severe cases of hypoglycemia. Rare cases of lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy reactions have been observed. Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with a glucagon product for emergency use or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of hypoglycemia and may require more frequent insulin lispro dose adjustment and more frequent blood glucose monitoring. Standard 2-year carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been performed. In Fischer 344 rats, a 12-month repeat-dose toxicity study was conducted with insulin lispro at subcutaneous doses of 20 and 200 units/kg/day (approximately 3 and 32 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, based on units/body surface area). Insulin lispro did not produce important target organ toxicity including mammary tumors at any dose. Insulin lispro was not mutagenic in the following genetic toxicity assays: bacterial mutation, unscheduled DNA synthesis, mouse lymphoma, chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assays. Male fertility was not compromised when male rats given subcutaneous insulin lispro injections of 5 and 20 units/kg/day (0.8 and 3 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, based on units/body surface area) for 6 months were mated with untreated female rats. In a combined fertility, perinatal, and postnatal study in male and female rats given 1, 5, and 20 units/kg/day subcutaneously (0.2, 0.8, and 3 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, based on units/body surface area), mating and fertility were not adversely affected in either gender at any dose. |
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- Excess exposure can precipitate pronounced hypoglycemia and associated neurogenic or neuroglycopenic manifestations
- Severe cases may progress to loss of consciousness
- Overdose may also induce hypokalemia, requiring attention in systems where electrolyte shifts impact process control or product safety
Insulin Lispro is a type of Insulin
Insulin is a vital pharmaceutical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) that plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin is used extensively in the treatment of diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin action.
As an API, insulin is available in various forms, including human insulin and analog insulin. Human insulin is derived from recombinant DNA technology, where it is synthesized using genetically engineered bacteria or yeast. Analog insulin, on the other hand, is a modified version of human insulin that is designed to mimic the body's natural insulin action more closely.
Insulin APIs are utilized in the production of pharmaceutical formulations such as insulin injections, insulin pens, and insulin pumps. These formulations are essential for individuals with diabetes who require regular insulin administration to maintain proper blood sugar control.
The development and production of insulin APIs require stringent quality control measures to ensure their safety and efficacy. Manufacturing processes must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to guarantee the purity, potency, and consistency of the API. Additionally, regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitor the production and distribution of insulin APIs to maintain high standards of quality and patient safety.
In summary, insulin APIs are critical components in the management of diabetes. They are manufactured using advanced biotechnological methods and are utilized in the production of various insulin formulations. Rigorous quality control and regulatory compliance are essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of insulin APIs for patients with diabetes.
Insulin Lispro (Insulin), classified under Anti-diabetics
Anti-diabetics, belonging to the pharmaceutical API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) category, are a group of compounds designed to manage and treat diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. These medications play a vital role in controlling diabetes and preventing complications associated with the disease.
Anti-diabetics encompass a wide range of drug classes, including biguanides, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Each class works through different mechanisms to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Biguanides, such as metformin, reduce glucose production by the liver and enhance insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Sulfonylureas, like glipizide, stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissues. DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, increase insulin release and inhibit glucagon secretion. SGLT2 inhibitors, like dapagliflozin, decrease renal glucose reabsorption, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as exenatide, enhance insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety.
These anti-diabetic APIs serve as the foundational ingredients for the formulation of various oral tablets, capsules, and injectable medications used in the treatment of diabetes. By targeting different aspects of glucose regulation, they help patients achieve and maintain optimal blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of diabetic complications, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and nephropathy.
It is crucial for healthcare professionals to prescribe and administer these anti-diabetic medications appropriately, considering factors like the patient's medical history, co-existing conditions, and potential drug interactions. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and close medical supervision are necessary to ensure effective diabetes management.
In conclusion, anti-diabetics form a critical category of pharmaceutical APIs used for the treatment of diabetes. These compounds, encompassing various drug classes, work through distinct mechanisms to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. By facilitating glucose control, anti-diabetic APIs help mitigate the risk of complications associated with diabetes mellitus, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for patients.
Insulin Lispro API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified Insulin Lispro API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 2 companies offering Insulin Lispro API, with manufacturing taking place in 2 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eli Lilly And Company | Producer | United States | United States | CoA, JDMF | 5 products |
| Medilux Labs | Producer | India | India | CoA, GMP | 10 products |
When sending a request, specify which Insulin Lispro API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
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