Researchers from Zhejiang University have presented a groundbreaking technology that could radically change the approach to diabetes treatment. They have developed a cream that allows insulin to be delivered through the skin. An article published in the journal Nature describes how a special polymer, OP-I, overcomes the skin barrier, which was previously considered nearly impossible due to the large size and hydrophilic properties of insulin molecules.
Clinical trials of the cream were conducted on models of human skin, as well as on mice and diabetic mini-pigs. The results showed that glucose levels normalize within 1-2 hours and remain stable for up to 12 hours, comparable to the effect of conventional injections.
The polymer adapts to the skin's pH: on the surface, it binds with lipids, while in the deeper layers, it loses its charge, allowing insulin to penetrate the body. After that, the hormone is released into the liver, fat, and muscle tissue, providing a gentle and prolonged effect without signs of inflammation.
The authors of the study emphasize that this technology can be used not only for insulin but also for the delivery of other protein and nucleic acid drugs. Although there is still a long way to go before clinical application, the results represent one of the most promising steps toward the realization of "non-injection" diabetes treatment.
