Daily life might get better for millions of diabetic patients very soon: MIT scientists have created a “microneedle” pill that safely and painlessly delivers insulin to the bloodstream.
The pill would replace regular injections, to help relieve diabetes patients – who endure up to four insulin injections each day – from the painful daily shots.
Thanks to a special polymer coating, the scientists were able to develop a pill that passes through to the small intestine without getting destroyed by stomach acids. It then attaches itself to the intestinal walls to inject one-millimeter long needles before dissolving harmlessly through the rest of the digestive system.
The new technique, according to, could transform peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, adding, “This could change drug delivery science,” says, gastroenterologist Giovanni Traverso who helped lead the study, explaining that the new technique “has the capacity to transform how we deliver peptides, proteins—including mono-clonal antibodies—and nucleic acids.”
