L'insuline par voie orale : promesses et réalités

Insulin remains the most effective and durable hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of diabetes. The addition of an effective oral insulin dosage form to the antidiabetic armamentarium may have significant benefits in terms of compliance and adherence among patients, as well as physiological advantages due to the fact that such a dosage form replicates the natural route of insulin secretion and absorption through the portal vein and targets the liver directly. Several companies have developed technological systems that protect insulin from enzymatic hydrolysis, enable its transport across the epithelial lining, and promote its absorption from the intestinal tract. A review of the potential physiological rational and advantages, as well as current pertinent technologies used specifically with insulin, is herewith provided.