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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
07:30
Homogeneous Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-based Assay for Detection of Insulin Secretion
Published on: May 10, 2018
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Commemorating insulin's centennial: engineering insulin pharmacology towards physiology
Peter Kurtzhals1, Erica Nishimura1, Hanne Haahr1
1Research and Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsværd, Denmark.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|June 21, 2021
Summary
Insulin therapy has advanced significantly since its 1921 discovery. Modern molecular engineering aims to create improved insulin analogs for better diabetes management, including glucose-responsive delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Insulin's 1921 discovery revolutionized diabetes treatment.
- The insulin molecule presents challenges for pharmacological optimization.
- A century of research has focused on improving insulin therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical insights into insulin structure and function.
- To examine the role of recombinant biotechnology in insulin drug design.
- To discuss recent advancements in insulin analog development.
Main Methods:
- Review of academic literature on insulin structure, self-association, and receptor binding.
- Analysis of recombinant biotechnology applications in insulin production.
- Examination of genetic and chemical engineering strategies for insulin analog development.
Main Results:
- Early research elucidated insulin's structural properties crucial for drug design.
- Recombinant DNA technology enabled large-scale insulin production.
- Current research focuses on ultra-rapid, ultra-long-acting, tissue-selective, and oral insulin analogs.
Conclusions:
- Continuous innovation in molecular engineering is essential for optimizing insulin therapy.
- Future efforts aim to achieve glucose-responsive insulin delivery systems.
- Advanced insulin analogs promise improved diabetes management and patient outcomes.
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