Definition

A recombinant therapeutic agent which is chemically identical to or similar to endogenous human insulin. In lispro insulin, the amino acid proline at B-28 and the amino acid lysine at B-29 are reversed, resulting in the rapid dissolution of this insulin to a monomer that is absorbed rapidly after subcutaneous administration. Lispro insulin is equipotent to human insulin on a molar basis but its effects are faster and of shorter duration. Endogenous insulin, a pancreatic hormone composed of two polypeptide chains, is important in the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, promoting glucose utilization and protein synthesis; it has anabolic effects on many types of tissues.