Advances in insulin delivery systems and devices: Beyond the vial and syringe

Background:Several advances in insulin delivery systems and devices have been made in recent years.Objective:This article summarizes study findings on recent advances and emerging insulin delivery systems in various stages of development.Methods:Materials used for this article were identified through a search of MEDLINE from 1993 to 2006. English-language articles were chosen using the search terms transdermal delivery system, inhaled insulin, and oral insulin.Results:These developments are intended to enhance patient compliance with insulin therapy to achieve tighter glycemic control and thereby prevent or delay the onset of diabetes mellitus (DM)-related complications. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration provided regulatory approval for recombinant human insulin for inhalation; availability of this first inhaled insulin is expected in the near future. Several other inhaled insulin products are now in clinical trials. Also available are the insulin pump and insulin pen, which can facilitate self-administration for some patients. Research is under way to develop an insulin tablet that is coated so it resists breakdown in the digestive tract. Intranasal and transdermal delivery systems are also being investigated.Conclusion:Progress has been made in the development of alternative delivery routes for insulin therapy. Clinicians who provide DM care can look forward to the availability of more options in insulin delivery systems to help their patients meet the challenges of DM management.