7 votes

New pill can deliver insulin

3 comments

  1. [3]
    Akir
    Link
    This is very exciting! Oral delivery of insulin has been the 'holy grail' of diabetes treatment for a very long time now. The biggest question I have is what happens to the needles. If the body of...

    This is very exciting! Oral delivery of insulin has been the 'holy grail' of diabetes treatment for a very long time now.

    The biggest question I have is what happens to the needles. If the body of the capsule dissolves, doesn't the needle stay? Can't this damage the stomach over long periods of time?

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      Emerald_Knight
      Link Parent
      It's in the article. The needle would effectively dissolve and not pose any problems :)

      The tip of the needle is made of nearly 100 percent compressed, freeze-dried insulin, using the same process used to form tablets of medicine. The shaft of the needle, which does not enter the stomach wall, is made from another biodegradable material.

      It's in the article. The needle would effectively dissolve and not pose any problems :)

      5 votes
      1. Akir
        Link Parent
        Ah, I must have missed that. Thanks.

        Ah, I must have missed that. Thanks.

        2 votes