Title:Strategies to Improve Insulin Delivery through Oral Route: A Review
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Rohini Bhattacharya, Asha P. Johnson, T. Shailesh, Mohamed Rahamathulla and Gangadharappa H.V.*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreshwara
Nagara, Bannimantap, Mysuru-570015, Karnataka, India
Keywords:
Insulin, gastrointestinal tract, drug delivery systems, bioavailability, diabetes mellitus, self-microemulsifying drug delivery system.
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is found to be among the most suffered and lethal diseases for
mankind. Diabetes mellitus type-1 is caused by the demolition of pancreatic islets responsible for
the secretion of insulin. Insulin is the peptide hormone (anabolic) that regulates the metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Upon the breakdown of the natural process of metabolism, the
condition leads to hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose levels). Hyperglycemia demands outsourcing
of insulin. The subcutaneous route was found to be the most stable route of insulin administration
but faces patient compliance problems. Oral Insulin delivery systems are the patient-centered
and innovative novel drug delivery system, eliminating the pain caused by the subcutaneous
route of administration. Insulin comes in contact across various barriers in the gastrointestinal tract,
which has been discussed in detail in this review. The review describes about the different bioengineered
formulations, including microcarriers, nanocarriers, Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery
Systems (SMEDDs), Self-Nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDs), polymeric micelles,
cochleates, etc. Surface modification of the carriers is also possible by developing ligand anchored
bioconjugates. A study on evaluation has shown that the carrier systems facilitate drug encapsulation
without tampering the properties of insulin. Carrier-mediated transport by the use of natural,
semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers have shown efficient results in drug delivery by protecting
insulin from harmful environment. This makes the formulation readily acceptable for a variety of
populations. The present review focuses on the properties, barriers present in the GI tract, overcome
the barriers, strategies to formulate oral insulin formulation by enhancing the stability and
bioavailability of insulin.