Insulin in a pill

Major problems with inhaled insulin seem to indicate a lack of promise for this alternative insulin delivery method. Recently, in clinical trials, use of inhaled insulin Exubera was shown to be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Use of inhaled insulin has also been beset by difficulties with acceptance from patients and physicians.

Could insulin in pill form possibly offer a simple, more effective method for diabetics to take their insulin? Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a gel-like polymer that just might help with the effective, oral administration of insulin. Recent, preliminary laboratory findings have shown that the addition of a wheat germ agglutinin to the gel-like material might help to prevent the destruction of insulin by acids in the stomach.

Several researchers and scientists are working to resolve problems encountered by oral delivery of insulin. Taiwanese researchers have added a material from shrimp shells to aid with drug delivery, and the efficacy of a number of different formulations are being evaluated. Oramed Pharmaceuticals and Diabetology are just some of the pharmaceutical companies taking a look at how well oral insulin might work for diabetics who require insulin.

Insulin in a pill offers some promise as an alternative to injections; however, more research is definitely needed before we could possibly put aside insulin pumps, injectors, pens and needles.