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An international team of scientists has developed a nano-technology-based system that can deliver insulin orally instead of through painful injections.

Around the world, there are an estimated 425 million people suffering from diabetes, with about 75 million of them injecting themselves with insulin daily.

Insulin was discovered in 1921 and is a life-saving medication for those with diabetes. However, producing a safe and effective oral insulin has been a significant medical hurdle until now.

According to a research paper published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, scientists led by a team from the University of Sydney in Australia, have created an oral insulin tablet that can be consumed like any other pill. They tested this medication on mice, rats, and baboons.

The new oral insulin is manufactured using an incredibly small nanomaterial, about 1/10000 the width of a human hair.

This nanomaterial protects the insulin molecules from stomach acid. This unique material does more than just a protective barrier; it surrounds individual insulin molecules and acts as a “nano carrier” for them, allowing them to reach the sites in the body where they are most needed.

Nicholas Hunt, the lead author and member of the Nano Institute at the University of Sydney and the Charles Perkins Centre, said: “The big challenge that faced the development of oral insulin was the low proportion of insulin that reaches the bloodstream when taken orally compared to insulin injections. To address this problem, we developed a nano carrier that significantly increases the absorption of nano insulin in the intestines when tested in human intestinal tissues.”

Preclinical tests in animal models found that after ingestion, the nano insulin was able to control blood glucose levels without hypoglycemia or weight gain. There was also no toxicity.

Human trials are scheduled to begin in 2025, which will be led by Endo Axiom Pty Ltd, a company founded by the research team after 20 years of studies, by Professor Victoria Cogger, Professor David Le Couteur, and Dr. Hunt.