ORAL-ADMINISTRATION OF INSULIN IN SOLID FORM TO NONDIABETIC AND DIABETIC DOGS

It was previously demonstrated that a biologically active insulin coul d cross the mucosal membrane in the gut by using surface active substa nces. In this report we describe studies in which insulin administered orally, in a solid formulation, was effectively absorbed in the canin e model. The insulin was mixed with cholate and soybean trypsin inhibi tor. It was delivered orally, as enterocoated microtablets, to nondiab etic and diabetic (pancreatectomized) dogs in a fasting state. The tim e interval between the administration of the drug and the beginning of a decrease in the plasma glucose levels was 60-140 min. This decrease reached a minimum level of 20-40% of the initial values and lasted fo r more than 90 min following administration of the drug. In this model a pronounced increment in plasma insulin levels was shown prior to th e drop of plasma glucose concentrations. It is concluded that with thi s novel oral insulin formulation a beneficial biological effect can be achieved in the treatment of diabetes.