Oral insulin delivery: existing barriers and current counter-strategies

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

First published: 28 November 2017
DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12852

Ahmed Gedawy, Jorge Martinez, Hani Al-Salami, Crispin R. Dass

Objective: The chronic and progressive nature of diabetes is usually associated with micro- and macrovascular complications where failure of pancreatic β-cell function and a general condition of hyperglycaemia is created. One possible factor is failure of the patient to comply with and adhere to the prescribed insulin due to the inconvenient administration route. This review summarizes the rationale for oral insulin administration, existing barriers and some counter-strategies trialled.

Methods: The use of advanced pharmaceutical technologies and further research in particulate carrier system delivery predominantly nanoparticle utilization would offer useful tools in delivering insulin via the oral route which in turn would potentially improve diabetic patient compliance to insulin and the overall management of diabetes.