Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have found that the insulin contained in the latest version of their oral tablets is absorbed by mice in the same way as injected insulin.
“These exciting results demonstrate that we are on the right path to creating an insulin preparation that will no longer need to be injected before each meal. The tablets will improve the quality of life and mental health of more than 9 million type 1 diabetics worldwide,” says Professor Anubhav Pratap Singh, principal investigator of the study. A goal that has always been pursued for him: his father, a diabetic, has injected himself with insulin 4 times a day for the last 15 years.
Doctor Alberto Baldelli, a senior fellow in Dr. Pratap-Singh's lab, adds excitedly that now nearly 100% of the insulin in the tablets goes directly into the liver. Even after two hours of administration. In previous attempts, most of the insulin accumulated in the stomach.
Change the mode of administration
The UBC team has been working for a while to figure out how to facilitate a greater rate of insulin absorption for diabetes patients, who often undergo uncomfortable and uncomfortable injections.
The newly developed method is based on special tablets that should not be swallowed, but placed between the gum and cheek, melting. Using the thin membrane found there (also called the "buccal mucosa"), the insulin reaches the liver without decomposing along the way.
Again: Most tablets in development tend to release insulin slowly over two to four hours. The injected one takes effect in 30-120 minutes. The UBC team's solution has the same rapid absorption times.
Insulin in tablets: many potential broad benefits
The study has yet to move to the human testing phase. This requires time, funding and collaborators. The game, however, is worth the candle. The health of those affected by it is worth it diabetes, their time, and a sea of environmental waste, needles and plastic, which would not exist with tablets to be taken orally.
The next step to human stages in case of success? Obviously reduce the cost of insulin per dose. The tablets would also be cheaper and easier to produce, as well as to transport (they wouldn't need to be kept cool).
The study was published in Scientific Reports, and I link it here.
What are you waiting for, guys? Hurry up.
