An Innovative Technique: Administering Insulin Under the Tongue
Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed an innovative technique for administering insulin that may provide an alternative to injections. Instead of receiving painful injections, users simply place a few drops of insulin under their tongue. This method could be a game-changer for individuals who are tired of the invasive nature of traditional insulin administration.
The Challenge of Diabetes: Insufficient Insulin Production
One of the defining characteristics of diabetes is the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin to regulate glucose levels in the blood. As a result, individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes must administer insulin throughout the day. However, this can be uncomfortable and difficult to adhere to, leading to the generation of biohazardous waste. Researchers are now focusing on finding less intrusive methods for delivering insulin.
The Quest for Less Invasive Procedures
Various experimental approaches are being explored to find less invasive procedures for insulin delivery. Some examples include controllable implants and ultrasound patches that release medication through the skin. However, the primary area of research currently concentrated on is oral insulin delivery. Swallowing a tablet seems like a straightforward and painless option that many individuals already do on a daily basis.
Challenges with Oral Insulin Delivery
Although oral insulin seems like a promising solution, there are challenges to overcome. Insulin is a delicate molecule that often doesn’t survive the journey from the stomach to the intestines, where it needs to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Encapsulating it in different materials or creating capsules that physically inject it into the lining may help, but this can alter its structure due to digestion in the liver.
A New Approach: Placing Drops Under the Tongue
To tackle these challenges, the UBC research team designed a new approach that still falls under the category of oral insulin but is administered in the form of drops placed under the tongue instead of being swallowed. This technique, called sublingual administration, allows drugs that can’t be absorbed by the stomach to be effectively administered. The tissue under the tongue contains many capillaries, enabling rapid diffusion of the medicine into the bloodstream.
The Role of the Cell-Penetrating Peptide
Oral insulin is a large molecule that struggles to pass through cells. To address this, the researchers combined it with an oral insulin cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) derived from fish leftovers. The CPP acts as a guide that helps the oral insulin navigate through a maze to quickly reach the bloodstream. It identifies efficient pathways, making it easier for insulin to travel where it needs to go.
Successful Results in Mice
The team conducted tests on mice using this approach. When combined with the CPP, the insulin successfully entered the bloodstream and effectively controlled blood glucose levels, comparable to insulin administered through injections. However, when the guide peptide was absent, oral insulin tended to get stuck in the mucosal lining of the mouth.
Future Steps: Obtaining Technology Licenses
Currently, the researchers at UBC are working on obtaining licenses for this technology from their commercial partners. Two studies published in the Journal of Controlled Release recently described this innovative approach. If successful, this method of administering insulin could revolutionize diabetes management and provide a less invasive option for patients.
Conclusion
The development of an alternative method for administering insulin, such as placing drops under the tongue, offers hope to individuals who are tired of injections. Researchers at UBC have made significant progress in overcoming the challenges of oral insulin delivery by combining it with a cell-penetrating peptide. Further research and obtaining licenses for this technology could lead to a groundbreaking solution for managing diabetes.