The WHO estimates the number of diabetics in the world at around 285 million (last year's data): this is almost 6% of the adult population. This translates (for type 1 diabetics and for 27% of type 2 diabetics) into the obligation to take daily insulin injections, which are uncomfortable and annoying. For some time, researchers have been trying to develop a form of insulin to be taken orally: a difficult undertaking, given that this protein is literally destroyed by gastric juices. Today, Australian researchers have discovered an insulin substitute that could cure diabetes orally.

In an attempt to find it, the Prof Erik Helmerhorst and his team at Curtin University in Australia examined the structure of 3 MILLION active ingredients: “We looked at a 3D molecular map of insulin, and identified the key factors necessary for the activity of this substance,” says Helmerhorst. “We then compared 3 million small molecular structures in 3D that had the same key factors: finally, we found a molecule that behaves like insulin in biological and animal tests. We are in the tenth year of research, and we are closer than ever to the solution."

Unlike insulin, the small molecule is not destroyed by the stomach and can be taken orally: in addition to eliminating the dependence on needles and syringes forever, it will be much easier for diabetics to carry and store pills than not of the vials. Finally, an oral formulation, which is cheaper to produce, could help treat diabetes in many developing countries.

The state of research

Clinical tests will start within the next 5 years: Curtin University is filing the patents on the discovery and has recently presented the results obtained to the major sector magazines. In short, not much is missing. Here is a video showing an excerpt from the research.