What's Happening?
Researchers have developed a new polymer-based gel that can deliver insulin through the skin without the need for needles. This innovative gel was tested on diabetic mice and pigs, showing promising results by normalizing blood sugar levels within one
to two hours of application and maintaining them for approximately 12 hours. The gel's mechanism involves a pH-responsive polymer that allows insulin to penetrate the skin's layers, which is typically a barrier for larger proteins like insulin. While the gel has shown effectiveness in animal models, it remains experimental and has not yet been tested on humans.
Why It's Important?
The development of a needle-free insulin delivery method could significantly impact diabetes management, particularly for patients who have a fear of needles. This could improve treatment adherence and ease the burden of daily insulin injections. The gel's potential to provide long-acting insulin control could complement fast-acting doses needed at mealtimes, offering a more comprehensive diabetes management solution. However, further research is needed to ensure its safety and efficacy in humans, as well as to address the challenges of delivering insulin efficiently through the skin.
What's Next?
The research team plans to conduct further studies to optimize the gel's formulation and dosing for human use. They will also need to scale up manufacturing and conduct extensive preclinical safety studies before filing for an Investigational New Drug (IND) with the FDA. Human clinical trials will be necessary to determine the gel's effectiveness and safety in people. The researchers are also exploring the potential of using the polymer approach for delivering other therapeutic proteins.
