Revolutionary Oral Insulin Drops Could Replace Traditional Injections

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With diabetes rates increasing, affecting 11.7 million Canadians, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a new, pain-free method for managing the disease. Scientists at the Li Lab have created oral insulin drops that, when placed under the tongue, are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially replacing the need for traditional insulin injections.

The oral drops contain insulin and a unique cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). This peptide, derived from fish byproducts, facilitates the passage of insulin through cells, overcoming the challenges associated with insulin's instability and difficulty in absorption when ingested in pill form. Pre-clinical tests demonstrated that the peptide-enhanced insulin effectively reaches the bloodstream, unlike insulin without the peptide, which remains stuck in the mouth's lining.

The research in the Journal of Controlled Release highlights the peptide’s role as a "guide" that helps insulin navigate efficiently through the mucosal barriers to reach the bloodstream. The UBC team is now seeking a commercial partner to license this technology.

Currently, diabetes management requires frequent insulin injections, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and lead to complications such as eye, kidney, and nerve damage. The new oral drops offer a more convenient alternative, potentially improving medication adherence and reducing the risk of issues related to needle use, such as infections and unsafe disposal.

The Li Lab’s development aims to provide a rapid, pain-free insulin delivery method, enhancing the ease of managing diabetes and potentially improving long-term health outcomes for patients.