Overview
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In plain language
Insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin sold as Apidra, made by Sanofi. It is used in the same way as the other fast insulin analogues.
It has two amino acid changes compared with human insulin. Together they keep the molecules from clumping, so glulisine starts working about 15 minutes after injection and can be taken shortly before or after a meal.
For students
Insulin glulisine substitutes lysine for asparagine at B3 and glutamic acid for lysine at B29 (about 5,823 Da). The charge changes reduce self-association, producing a fast onset (~15 minutes), a peak around 1-1.5 hours, and a duration of roughly 2-4 hours.
It is stable enough for use in insulin pumps and can be injected shortly before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Its clinical role is essentially identical to lispro and aspart; differences between the rapid analogues are small and rarely drive prescribing.
For researchers and instructors
Biochemistry. Two substitutions on opposite ends of the B chain both alter charge distribution at self-association interfaces; the molecule remains monomeric at injection-site concentrations.
Pharmacology. Onset, peak and duration are comparable to lispro and aspart; formulation differences (e.g., polysorbate 20 and Tween) fine-tune stability rather than kinetics.
Human evidence. Non-inferiority trials against lispro and regular insulin showed comparable glycated hemoglobin and postprandial control.
Teaching point. Illustrates that multiple structural solutions exist for the same pharmacokinetic problem.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 51 (A + B chains)
- Molecular weight
- ~5,823 Da
- Formula
- C₂₅₈H₃₈₄N₆₄O₇₈S₆
- Sequence
- Human insulin with B3 Lys and B29 Glu substitutions
Origin and history
Glulisine, from Sanofi-Aventis, was approved in 2004. Two substitutions, lysine at B3 and glutamic acid at B29, reduce the tendency of insulin molecules to cluster, giving a fast onset like the other rapid analogues.
It is injected shortly before or after meals.
Key people
- Sanofi-Aventis research teamDeveloped insulin glulisine
Timeline
- 2004
Apidra approved by the FDA
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Human evidence
Clinical trials established comparable mealtime glucose control to the other rapid-acting insulin analogues.
Registration and enrollment are not proof of benefit; check study results directly.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
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FDA-approved. Errors in dosing cause low blood sugar; use only as prescribed.
This profile is educational and does not provide treatment, dosing or sourcing guidance.
Sources
- PubMed literature search: Insulin glulisine
- PubChem compound search: Insulin glulisine
- DailyMed (FDA label search): Insulin glulisine
- UniProt search: Insulin glulisine
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: Insulin glulisine
Hernandez Gener, E. (November 8, 2026). Insulin glulisine: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/insulin-glulisine.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 8, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 8, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy