Imagine an insulin pill that could provide type 1 diabetics with a less painful way to control their blood sugar levels.
Well, a new technology known as a Cholestosome, neutral, lipid-based particle is capable of doing some very interesting things”.
Laboratory studies have been able to deliver multiple insulin molecules into cells, and research with rats have shown that certain formulations of Cholestosomes are very effective.
Problems with oral insulin delivery happen when the drug moves the stomach. Insulin often degrades before it moves into the intestine, leaving it ineffective when it eventually reaches the bloodstream. However, a Canadian team has focused on this problem. Cholestosome encapsulates insulin by employing a simple lipid esters, which are arranged into spheres. The spheres then create neutral particles that are resistant to attack from stomach acids.
When the Cholestosome packages arrive at the intestines, they are then recognised by the body as something that can be absorbed. Once they have passed through the intestines into the blood stream, the cells then open the packages, releasing insulin.
Laboratory studies have been able to deliver multiple insulin molecules into cells, and research with rats have shown that certain formulations of Cholestosomes are very effective.
The researchers now plan to improve their formulations in clinical trials involving animals. After that, their aim is to develop new partnerships to help fund human trials.
