Oral insulin: the rationale for this approach and current developments.
Insulin remains the most effective and durable hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of diabetes. The addition of an effective oral insulin dosage form to the antidiabetes armamentarium may have significant benefits in terms of fostering compliance and adherence among patients, as well as physiologic advantages due to the fact that such a dosage form replicates the natural route of insulin secretion and absorption through the portal vein and targets the liver directly. Several companies have developed technological platforms that protect polypeptides and proteins from enzymatic hydrolysis, enable their transport across the epithelial lining, and promote their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A review of the potential physiological rationale and advantages, as well as of current pertinent technologies used specifically with insulin, is herewith provided.
Oramed Pharmaceuticals, Jerusalem, Israel. ehud@oramed.com
Ehud
E
Arbit
Miriam
M
Kidron
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001692:Biological Transport; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin