Oil-based formulations for oral delivery of therapeutic peptides

A novel technology has been developed by which water-soluble substances ran ging from simple inorganic salts to complex macromolecules, are solubilized in the absence of water, into organic liquids. The resulting microphases a re quite different from any that have been previously described in the lite rature and can potentially be used for delivery of drugs and other material s via a range of routes, including oral, topical, pulmonary, nasal and ocul ar. The formulations are prepared using a liposomal methodology, and liposo mes may also play a role in the ultimate delivery of the drug. This present ation describes the manufacture and properties of the formulations, and pre sents data for their use in delivering insulin and calcitonin in vivo, usin g the juvenile pig model.