Advances in oral peptide therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
• Endocrinology
• Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

• Parenteral administration of protein and peptide therapeutics poses challenges to patient adherence.
• Alternative delivery strategies, especially oral peptide delivery, are crucial for managing endocrine disorders like diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for overcoming gastrointestinal barriers to oral peptide delivery.
• To highlight clinical trial progress and recent approvals of oral peptide formulations.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of permeation enhancers and enzyme inhibitors.
• Investigation of mucus-penetrating and cell-penetrating peptide strategies.
• Review of clinical trial data for oral peptides including insulin, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, vasopressin, and semaglutide.

Main Results:

• Various strategies show promise in enhancing oral peptide absorption.
• Clinical trials have advanced the development of several oral peptide drugs.
• The landmark approval of oral semaglutide for type 2 diabetes signifies a major breakthrough.

Conclusions:

• Oral peptide delivery presents a viable alternative to injections, enhancing patient compliance.
• Technological advancements are paving the way for broader பயன்பாடு of oral peptide therapeutics.
• The success of oral semaglutide is expected to accelerate further innovation in oral peptide drug development.