Diabetes rates in Canada are on the rise, with over 11.7 million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. To help manage this disease more easily, researchers at the Li Lab at UBC have developed a pain-free drug delivery method for insulin. The oral insulin drops, when placed under the tongue, are quickly absorbed by the body, potentially replacing the need for insulin injections. These drops contain a unique cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) developed by Dr. Shyh-Dar Li and colleagues that helps insulin reach the bloodstream more efficiently.
Insulin is a large and complex molecule that can be easily destroyed in the stomach when taken in pill form. Additionally, insulin needs to be rapidly available in the blood, but it struggles to cross cell membranes on its own. The peptide used in the oral insulin drops acts as a guide for insulin, helping it navigate through the body and reach the bloodstream quickly. Pre-clinical tests have shown that insulin with the peptide is able to effectively reach the bloodstream, whereas insulin without the peptide remains stuck in the lining of the mouth. The UBC team is currently working on licensing the technology to a commercial partner to make this innovative drug delivery method available to diabetes patients.
For diabetes patients, it is crucial to regulate their glucose levels by taking insulin when needed. Insulin injections are currently the fastest way to get insulin into the blood, but they can be inconvenient and affect patients’ quality of life. Injections typically need to be administered three to four times a day, which can be challenging for patients to adhere to in the long run. This lack of adherence can lead to severe complications such as eye, kidney, and nerve damage, potentially resulting in limb amputations. The new oral drops developed by the Li Lab aim to provide a more convenient way for diabetes patients to take their medications and regulate their blood glucose levels effectively over time.
Previous attempts to create needle-free insulin alternatives, such as nasal sprays and inhalable insulin products, have not been successful due to suboptimal effects and increased risks of cancer. The needle-free oral drops developed by the Li Lab aim to provide rapid and pain-free delivery of insulin without significant side effects. By eliminating the need for needles, this technology is expected to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, needle pricks, accidental infections, and unsafe disposal of contaminated needles. The goal is to make it easier for diabetes patients to manage their disease and maintain their health in the long run.
Overall, the development of pain-free oral insulin drops presents a promising advancement in diabetes management. By providing a more convenient and effective way for patients to regulate their blood glucose levels, this innovative drug delivery method could significantly improve the quality of life for diabetes patients. With further research and development, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way insulin is administered and make a positive impact on the lives of millions of diabetes patients worldwide.