Eli Lilly introduced the first commercial insulin analogue, Humalog, in 1996.
Humalog is the brand name for insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin analogue developed by Eli Lilly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it in 1996. Its molecular structure differs slightly from human insulin, allowing it to be absorbed more quickly after injection and used around mealtimes.
Eli Lilly had a long history with insulin before Humalog. In 1923, the company became the first to mass-produce insulin after researchers at the University of Toronto developed a practical extraction method. Lilly also produced Iletin, an early commercial insulin product.
Humalog should not be confused with insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin analogue associated with Sanofi’s Lantus. The different products serve different timing needs, and brand names can vary by country.