In this video, Bob Langreth and I debate which is showing more signs of life, Bristol, with its comeback, or Novo Nordisk, which has become a big pharmaceutical company by focusing on diabetes with a big focus on insulin.

FORBES: Who's Better, Bristol-Myers or Novo Nordisk?

For one thing, the drug seemed to decrease patient's lung function--apparently the result of the way the insulin, a big, complicated protein, was delivered into the lungs.

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Part of the issue is that the benefit of taking insulin is so big--preventing blindness and organ damage--that even a small long-term cancer risk might be acceptable.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The insulin-killing next big thing will be very big indeed.

FORBES: Diabetes Market Booms As Substitutes Sought For Daily Insulin Dosing

Like insulin, growth hormone is too big to avoid destruction in the gut.

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His insulin company, Mannkind, has a big deadline coming up at the FDA at the end of next month.

FORBES: Was There Really A Bear Raid on Mannkind?