Innovative Oral Delivery System Could Replace Injections for Protein-Based Drugs

Researchers at the University of Bath have pioneered a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to transform how we administer protein-based medications. Currently, many vital treatments—including growth hormones, cancer immunotherapies, and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy—must be delivered via injections, which can be painful, inconvenient, and lead to missed doses for patients with chronic conditions. The new system aims to allow these drugs to be taken in pill form by transporting therapeutic proteins across the gut wall and into the bloodstream.

The technology functions by mimicking a natural mechanism used by gut bacteria. Specifically, the researchers linked the therapeutic protein, such as human growth hormone, to a non-toxic bacterial carrier derived from bacteria associated with cholera. This carrier binds to receptors on intestinal cell surfaces, facilitating the safe transport of the drug into the bloodstream without damaging the gut lining. In laboratory tests, especially in rats, the system consistently delivered about 5-10% of the therapeutic dose into the bloodstream, a range considered viable for medical use.

Led by Professor Randy Mrsny from the Department of Life Sciences, the team published their findings in the Journal of Controlled Release. He emphasized that while other systems have attempted to replace injections, their platform is the first that operates safely and reliably using well-understood pathways. Once optimized for human use, it could significantly enhance treatment convenience and adherence, particularly for patients requiring regular injections, such as children receiving growth hormone therapy.

The researchers have already tested the technology in animal models and are collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to refine the system. Initial human trials could commence within two years. Unlike previous approaches, this method does not damage the intestinal epithelium and can transport a wide range of medications, including hormones and cancer therapies, more efficiently than existing oral routes.

This innovation promises a future where complex protein drugs could be administered easily as pills, improving quality of life for many patients and potentially transforming the landscape of drug delivery. For more detailed information, visit the original source at ScienceX: Link.