Work continues on the development of insulin tablets
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Plant proinsulin in biocapsules copes with the regulation of blood glucose levels no worse than natural insulin. Specialists from the College of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania are working on the development of the drug.
Insulin-dependent diabetes is a disorder in which the body stops producing the hormone insulin. Meanwhile, the body needs it almost constantly, so patients have to administer it in the form of injections, which in some cases threatens the development of hypoglycemia. More accurate insulin action have automatic pumps, but they cost quite expensive and not everyone can afford. This problem can be solved by using a plant analog of insulin - proinsulin in biocapsules - an invention of specialists from Pennsylvania.
Insulin analogs in medicine are not uncommon, but the proposed versions lack one of the three peptides of natural insulin - C-peptide. As for the new proinsulin preparation, all three peptides are present. Moreover, biocapsules can be taken orally, which is very convenient. The walls of the capsule protect the drug in the stomach from the effects of acids and enzymes, so that insulin reaches the intestine without damage, where it is broken down.
In order to create plant proinsulin, human insulin genes were identified. Next, these genes were introduced into the genome of a plant, namely lettuce. Next, lettuce was grown, lyophilized, chopped and encapsulated.
Scientists have already conducted experiments on rodents with diabetes. The plant preparation was able to normalize the blood glucose indicator within a quarter of an hour after oral intake of the capsule.
Plant proinsulin has a number of specific features in its production, which only confirms its advantage over natural insulin, which is grown in bacterial and yeast cells, purified and provided with the required temperature conditions for storage and transportation. Plant proinsulin is easy to store (it can be stored under normal conditions at room temperature) and its production is less expensive.
In the near future, scientists plan to conduct clinical trials of the new drug, first on dogs, then on humans. There is no doubt that the appearance of oral insulin biocapsules on the pharmaceutical market should completely change the approaches and results of diabetes treatment and improve the quality of life of many patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is called a hidden epidemic. In 2021 alone, the disease has claimed more than 6.5 million lives on the planet. This exceeds the number of deaths due to the coronavirus pandemic. The future prognosis of diabetes is a growing concern, so issues of better management of the disease are particularly relevant.
Details of the creation of the new drug can be found by clicking on the source link Sciencedirect