Oral insulin drops provide relief for diabetics

The prevalence of diabetes continues to surge globally, with a significant number of individuals grappling with diabetes or pre-diabetes in Canada alone. Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have made a groundbreaking advancement in diabetes treatment by developing a pain-free method to deliver insulin, potentially transforming the lives of millions of individuals managing this chronic condition.

Scientists at UBC's Li Lab have crafted oral insulin drops that provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional insulin injections. These drops, designed to be placed under the tongue, are absorbed rapidly and effectively into the bloodstream. This novel approach could potentially eliminate the discomfort associated with daily insulin injections.

The innovation hinges on a unique mixture comprising insulin and a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), developed by Dr. Shyh-Dar Li and his research team. Unlike the conventional insulin pill that gets destroyed in the acidic environment of the stomach, this CPP enhances insulin absorption by facilitating its passage through the cells lining the mouth.

Dr. Li, a leading expert in pharmaceutical sciences, explains the complexity surrounding insulin delivery. Insulin, being a large molecule, faces significant challenges in crossing cell barriers unaided. The peptide, derived from fish byproducts, acts as a guide, creating an efficient passageway for insulin to enter the bloodstream. Without this peptide, insulin remains trapped in the mouth's lining, rendering it ineffective.

This breakthrough was validated through pre-clinical tests demonstrating that the insulin-peptide formulation successfully reaches the bloodstream. Dr. Jiamin Wu, a postdoctoral researcher in the Li Lab, likens the peptide to a guide navigating insulin through a maze to its target efficiently. The team's findings on the peptide's efficacy were documented in the Journal of Controlled Release, and efforts are underway to commercialize this technology.

For individuals with diabetes, maintaining blood glucose levels is crucial. Healthy individuals naturally produce insulin in the pancreas to manage glucose post-meal. However, diabetes patients need external insulin sources to regulate their blood sugar levels. Unregulated glucose can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage, kidney issues, and even limb amputations. Traditionally, patients rely on multiple daily insulin injections, which can be cumbersome and impact quality of life.

Dr. Li's lab has been exploring needle-free insulin delivery methods for the past three years. Their initial trials involved nasal sprays before they shifted focus to oral drops, which proved more practical and user-friendly. This new method is expected to simplify diabetes management, enabling patients to easily administer their medications and maintain better control over their blood glucose levels long-term.

Previous attempts at developing inhalable insulin, such as Exubera and Afrezza, were not successful due to suboptimal results and increased risk of lung complications, leading to their market withdrawal. Dr. Li's innovative oral drops aim to provide a rapid, pain-free insulin delivery solution without significant side effects. This technology holds promise for reducing risks associated with needle use, such as accidental infections, needle pricks, and improper disposal of contaminated needles.

In summary, the development of oral insulin drops by UBC researchers marks a significant milestone in diabetes treatment. This pain-free, efficient drug delivery method could revolutionize how diabetes patients manage their condition, offering a more convenient and potentially more effective alternative to insulin injections.

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