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Researchers Developing Oral Insulin
United Press International
Friday, March 26, 2004
TORONTO, Mar 26, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Canadian researchers have found a possible way of creating an oral form of insulin, a diabetes medication now injected daily by millions of patients.
The researchers, from the University of Toronto, have created the first small molecules using the three-dimensional structure of the body's natural insulin receptor. A receptor is the site on the surface of a cell to which molecules with specific tasks, such as hormones, attach themselves. Insulin's task is to initiate the utilization of sugar in the blood.
The researchers created the molecule by conducting 3-D computer modelling of the natural receptor, so the molecule binds to the receptor the same way natural insulin does.
Millions of people suffer from diabetes worldwide, and many of them require regular insulin injections to help their bodies absorb sugar properly. Research has shown self-injection to be a problem for children and the elderly, and lifelong regular injections are not pleasant for patients.
United Press International
Friday, March 26, 2004
TORONTO, Mar 26, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Canadian researchers have found a possible way of creating an oral form of insulin, a diabetes medication now injected daily by millions of patients.
The researchers, from the University of Toronto, have created the first small molecules using the three-dimensional structure of the body's natural insulin receptor. A receptor is the site on the surface of a cell to which molecules with specific tasks, such as hormones, attach themselves. Insulin's task is to initiate the utilization of sugar in the blood.
The researchers created the molecule by conducting 3-D computer modelling of the natural receptor, so the molecule binds to the receptor the same way natural insulin does.
Millions of people suffer from diabetes worldwide, and many of them require regular insulin injections to help their bodies absorb sugar properly. Research has shown self-injection to be a problem for children and the elderly, and lifelong regular injections are not pleasant for patients.
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