Insulin therapies - past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Medical History

Background:

• Insulin's discovery represents a pivotal moment in medical history, transforming peptide and protein-based therapies.
• For over 60 years, animal-sourced insulin was the standard until biotechnological advancements enabled mass production of human insulin.
• The evolution of biotechnology has led to the development of modified insulins to overcome limitations in traditional insulin therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical significance of insulin discovery and its impact on therapeutic agents.
• To highlight the transition from animal-sourced to human insulin through biotechnology.
• To discuss current advancements in non-invasive insulin delivery and novel insulin analogues for diabetes management.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of insulin discovery and therapeutic applications.
• Analysis of biotechnological advancements in insulin production and modification.
• Survey of emerging non-invasive insulin delivery technologies and new insulin analogues.

Main Results:

• Insulin's discovery revolutionized the use of peptides and proteins as therapeutics.
• Biotechnology enabled the production of human insulin, overcoming previous limitations.
• Current research focuses on non-invasive delivery and improved insulin analogues for better diabetes control.

Conclusions:

• The discovery and evolution of insulin therapy represent a significant achievement in medicine.
• Ongoing innovations in insulin analogues and delivery systems promise improved diabetes management.
• Future developments aim to mimic endogenous insulin release for more effective and convenient patient treatment.