Delivering Life-Changing Insulin Therapy at Scale for People Living with Diabetes

 Since its release, Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder from MannKind has provided an innovative treatment option for those living with diabetes mellitus.  As the only ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin on the market available for adults (aged 18 and over), it is under review with the U.S. FDA for a potential pediatric indication. 

What many don’t see is the work MannKind has done behind the scenes to ensure it reliably delivers its product to customers.  As Afrezza was launching in 2015, the company recognized the need to scale its operations to deliver consistent output if they were to meet market demand.  JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company that delivers global manufacturing systems integration, was engaged to help develop a plan to automate the assembly of the product using robotics and other advanced technologies.  Together the companies designed a manufacturing solution for MannKind’s facility in Danbury, Connecticut, where it has worked consistently since.   

“Automation has been key to our ability to manufacture Afrezza effectively and efficiently,” said Michael Calorossi, Vice President Manufacturing Operations at MannKind Corporation. “The system that JR Automation delivered has continued to perform well in helping us achieve our goals.”   

Calorossi certainly knows the impact of both the Afrezza product and automation.  As a 20+ year employee of the company, he spent the past decade overseeing the manufacturing and logistics of Afrezza.  Not only has he been directly involved in production, but as a user of the product himself, he understands the importance of MannKind’s mission of giving people control of their health and the freedom to live life.  It is an impact that most recently was recognized by the Connecticut chapter of Breakthrough T1D, an organization focused on advancing treatments, influencing policy, and improving access to care for type 1 diabetes. 

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Contributing to the advancement is something JR Automation takes pride in as well. “It is really an honor to support companies that are committed to delivering innovative healthcare solutions for their customers,” said Greg Herman, Business Development Manager for JR Automation.  “Having long-term, transparent relationships like we have with MannKind ensures that we can help them achieve their goals - not just during the design and build processes, but for the years and decades that follow.” 

This partnership between the companies has led to additional opportunities for using smart manufacturing solutions to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase throughput, all in support of customers seeking their life-changing treatments. 

For more information on how automation helps companies like MannKind get their products to market faster, safer and more efficiently, visit https://www.jrautomation.com/industries/life-sciences. 

About JR Automation 

At JR Automation, we accelerate what’s possible with integrated manufacturing solutions that adapt, evolve, and scale at the speed of business. With over 45 years of experience, we’re driven to solve complex manufacturing challenges — to deliver results today and for what’s next. As part of the Hitachi Group of Companies, our team of ~2,000 serves customers from 21 facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at jrautomation.com.