Oral Insulin Delivery Nanoparticles for Diabetes Treatment

Technology Overview

This invention from the Trabolsi Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi describes novel organic nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery in the treatment of diabetes. The invented nanoparticles show high insulin loading capacities, resistance toward harsh acidic conditions, and the ability to traverse the intestinal barrier. In proof-of-concept studies (Benyettou et al. Chemical Science 2021), these insulin-loaded nanoparticles demonstrated high bioavailability and reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (T1D) to normal levels without inducing systemic toxicity. These nanoparticles can also transport insulin into insulin-resistant cells (T2D), demonstrating applicability and utility in treating both diabetes sub-types.

Background

Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent chronic disease that affects approximately 10% of the world’s population and is the 7th leading cause of death worldwide. Insulin therapy is currently the standard of care in controlling and regulating blood glucose levels in diabetes; however, current methods of administration (by subcutaneous injection) are not convenient and result in some patient populations delaying or avoiding treatment due to fear of needles and self-injection. Therefore, new methods of insulin delivery that are more convenient and non-invasive have the potential to revolutionize diabetes care by driving increased patient adoption.

Applications

The treatment of diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

Advantages

• Oral administration ‑ Oral insulin is more convenient and less painful than subcutaneous injection and therefore should drive favorable patient adoption.
• Stable glucose-responsive release ‑ Insulin release from the nanoparticles is selectively and stably triggered under hyperglycemic conditions.
• High bioavailability ‑ Oral insulin is protected from the harsh acidic conditions of the digestive tract and is gradually released from the nanoparticles in the liver.
• No systemic toxicity ‑ The nanoparticles are biocompatible delivery vehicles with no observed cytotoxicity or immunotoxicity.

Intellectual Property

A PCT patent application has been filed covering the composition of these nanoparticles and their method of use.