The oral spray that could be the next big diabetes treatment
October 20th, 2008
A mouth spray could be the next big thing for treating type 1 diabetes, researchers believe.
People with diabetes are usually given the insulin they need through pills, injections or inhalers.
But the liquid spray, which is directed at the lining of the mouth where it is absorbed, offers a simple alternative treatment and avoids the pain of injections.
This may encourage people to take all of their medication, and consequently slow the progression of diabetes and its complications.
The spray, called Generix Oral-lyn, is in clinical trials to test whether it is safe and works in humans.
US manufacturer Generex Biotechnology Corporation has so far enrolled over 150 type 1 diabetes sufferers from 55 sites around the world into the study and it aims to recruit a total of 750.
The study will compare the efficacy of Generix Oral-lyn with mealtime insulin injections – a common treatment for people with type 1 diabetes.
It is hoped that the results of the trial will earn approval for the spray to be sold in the USA. Generix Oral-lyn is already approved in India and Ecuador.
Generix Biotechnology Corporation also hopes to test the spray in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, a common condition that can precede the development of full-blown diabetes.
