Oral Insulin Pill in our Future?

Robert Gordon University experts at Aberdeen in Scotland have found a way that insulin can be coated for pill form. Previously, insulin has been injected in liquid form so as not to break down prior to reaching the bloodstream of the diabetic. If this research is true, a coated pill would allow insulin be taken orally for those with a phobia of needles or those that would just prefer a pill over an injected form. This new finding is being presented to the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester. According to the BBC and Dr. Colin Thompson from the Robert Gordon University of Pharmacy has said "Being able to take insulin orally would have a significant impact on the lives of many of these patients - not just eliminating the need for injections, but also offering a much more convenient form of treatment."

This would be a huge breakthrough for those with Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as juvenile onset diabetes, affects 10% of all diabetes cases worldwide. Type 2 diabetes is usually controlled by other means such as dieting, exercising, or other already established non-insulin oral medications. However Type 1 diabetes relies on a steady stream of insulin injections and a pill would make it much easier to transport their medication. Liquid insulin needs refrigeration and can be a pain to transport, another way that a pill would make life a bit easier for diabetics.

However, the one drawback that diabetics have found with the possibility of an insulin pill is not being able to vary the dose. Some diabetics need more insulin at times, or less at times. With a pill there will be no variance, no ability to vary a dose like injected insulin gives a diabetic. Time will tell if this is resolved or if diabetics will care too much.

There have been other insulin trials, one of which is Coremed's Intesulin. Intesulin has shown to keep 60-70% effectiveness of the injected insulin. Clinical trials for this drug have proven promising as well, without a single instance found of gastrointestinal problems or hypoglycemia.

Other scientists are coming up with ways to have insulin without the needles. Inhaled insulin is already available for certain diabetics. In 2005 the company Coremed, Incorporated went into partnership with Wanbang & Fosun pharmas to make Alveair, the inhaled insulin. This is still looking quite promising, as does Pfizer's Exubera.

For More information:

Robert Gordon University Research: innovation@rgu.ac.uk