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Faster Insulin Aspart: A New Bolus Option for Diabetes Mellitus

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Abstract

Since the approval of bolus insulin, it has been used frequently in clinical practice for the management of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus for postprandial control. Another new product is faster insulin aspart (Fiasp, Novo Nordisk), a fast-acting insulin with 100 units/mL. Several studies have been conducted evaluating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of faster insulin aspart, compared with insulin aspart. This new bolus insulin provides greater glucose-lowering effect at 20 min, following subcutaneous administration. Faster insulin aspart had a greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c concentrations from baseline in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus when compared with insulin aspart, whereas the two bolus insulins were similar in this outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Depending on the trial, the safety profile may differ between these two insulins with severe or confirmed hypoglycemia. Based on the clinical evidence for efficacy and safety, faster insulin aspart can be considered a viable option for those patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus who desire to inject immediately prior to a meal or within 20 min following a meal. However, additional studies should be completed to determine the role of faster insulin aspart in pregnant and pediatric patients, along with patients prescribed insulin pumps. This article evaluates and summarizes the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of faster insulin aspart for patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, and summarizes its application to clinical practice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Presbyterian College, Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, 307 North Broad Street, Clinton, SC, 29325, USA

    Abigayle Davis & Jolly Kuriakose

  2. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, 307 North Broad Street, Clinton, SC, 29325, USA

    Jennifer N. Clements

Authors
  1. Abigayle Davis
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  2. Jolly Kuriakose
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  3. Jennifer N. Clements
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer N. Clements.

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No external funding was used in the preparation of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

Ms. Abigayle Davis, Ms. Jolly Kuriakose, and Dr. Jennifer Clements declare they have no conflicts of interest that might be relevant to the contents of this manuscript.

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Davis, A., Kuriakose, J. & Clements, J.N. Faster Insulin Aspart: A New Bolus Option for Diabetes Mellitus. Clin Pharmacokinet 58, 421–430 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40262-018-0696-8

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