JDRF-funded smart insulin research shows promise

JDRF-funded researchers in China led by Professor Zhen Gu have developed a new form of glucose-responsive insulin, also known as smart insulin, which is given orally. In a research paper published today in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers explain how the smart insulin (which is a mixture of insulin and another molecule) passes through the stomach and lies stable in a reservoir in the liver.

Once the molecule detects rising blood glucose levels, it releases just enough insulin from the reservoir to lower blood glucose to a safe level. More testing needs to be done before this can be given to people living with type 1 diabetes, but promising results from animal studies show good progress towards clinical trials.

Improving life for people with type 1

The researchers hope to develop the design of the smart insulin so that it can be given to people with type 1 diabetes. He hopes that in the future this type of insulin will be able to reduce the need for multiple daily insulin injections and limit the highs and lows in blood glucose that people living with type 1 diabetes experience.

How does the oral smart insulin work?

The smart insulin enters the stomach in ‘worm-like’ molecules, which are absorbed faster than currently available insulins. The insulin worms move from the stomach into the liver where they form an inactive reservoir. The smart insulin contains a molecule that detects high levels of glucose and triggers the release of insulin in response. Because the insulin is already waiting in the liver, it can get to the glucose in the blood and remove it faster than injections of currently available insulin.

Tests in animals with type 1 diabetes

The researchers gave the smart insulin to mice with type 1 diabetes. They found the insulin was quickly released from its reservoir at a dose that matched the excess glucose in the mice’s blood. Any leftover insulin released was removed quickly by the mice’s bodies without causing hypoglycaemia. The study also had promising safety results, with no short- or long-term side effects of the smart insulin.

When the researchers tested the smart insulin in pigs with type 1 diabetes, which are biologically similar to humans, the insulin was able to lower the pigs’ blood glucose for 24 hours without causing any hypos. These results make the researchers optimistic that their insulin design would be safe and effective for people with type 1 diabetes.

Next steps of the research

Through the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, our partnership with Diabetes UK and the Steve Morgan Foundation, we are funding Dr Zhen Gu to fine-tune the insulin to make it more effective. The team will then test their insulin to make sure it is released properly from the reservoir when blood glucose levels rise to keep them in a safe range in animals with diabetes. This year-long research project will bring smart insulin closer to clinical trials in people with type 1 diabetes.

Prof Zhen Gu said: “The clinical translation of this long-acting smart insulin will significantly enhance health and quality of life of people with type 1 diabetes.”