US FDA approves MannKind's inhaled insulin for children 30-May 00:57

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved expanded use ​of MannKind's (MNKD.O) inhaled rapid-acting insulin ‌in children with diabetes, offering patients under 18 years of age a ​needle-free treatment option, the ​company said on Friday.

Shares of the ⁠company were up 5% in ​afternoon trading.

The approval broadens treatment ​options for younger patients who require insulin, often several times a day, to ​manage diabetes, a condition where ​the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar ‌levels.

Unlike ⁠conventional insulin, which is injected subcutaneously, MannKind's Afrezza is inhaled through a small device to help ​control blood ​sugar levels ⁠at mealtimes. It was first approved by the ​FDA for adults in ​June ⁠2014.

The company said eligible patients can get access to Afrezza for $35 ⁠or ​less a month.