No abstract

BACKGROUND Oral insulin delivery is projected to provide both physiologic and technical benefits, and has been the focus of rigorous research efforts in recent years. The ORMD-0801 oral insulin formulation relies on the activities of both protease inhibitors and an absorption enhancer to ensure insulin integrity and bioavailability. The special blend of excipients both hinder proteolysis in the small intestine and enhance translocation of insulin across the gut epithelial lining. Once transported across the gut wall, the insulin is ferried to the hepatic portal vein, mimicking the natural route of endogenous pancreatic insulin, and then subjected to first-pass metabolism in the liver, before being delivered to peripheral sites of action.