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Oral delivery of glucagon-like peptide-1 and analogs: alternatives for diabetes control?

Francisca Araújo1, Pedro Fonte, Hélder A Santos

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Health Sciences Research Center,Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU, Gandra, Portugal.

Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology
|January 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

New therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are needed. This review explores challenges and strategies for oral administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to improve T2DM treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Endocrinology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health challenge with current treatments having limitations.
  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) shows therapeutic potential for T2DM but faces administration challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the obstacles hindering oral administration of GLP-1.
  • To highlight innovative strategies for overcoming these barriers in GLP-1 drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on GLP-1 and oral drug delivery technologies.
  • Analysis of challenges including peptide degradation and low bioavailability.
  • Examination of formulation and delivery strategies to enhance oral absorption.

Main Results:

  • Oral administration of GLP-1 is impeded by gastrointestinal degradation and poor membrane permeability.
  • Various strategies, including chemical modification, nano-encapsulation, and absorption enhancers, are being explored.
  • These approaches aim to protect GLP-1 and facilitate its uptake for improved T2DM management.

Conclusions:

  • Overcoming the hurdles of oral GLP-1 administration is crucial for developing more convenient T2DM therapies.
  • Successful oral delivery systems could significantly improve patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
  • Continued research into advanced drug delivery is essential for realizing the full potential of GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes.

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