UCLA researchers have developed a novel hybrid microneedle patch that can deliver insulin and glucagon in a glucose-dependent manner.
BACKGROUND:
Type I diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic -cells are destroyed and there is a deficiency is insulin secretion. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder resulting from insulin resistance and -cell dysfunction with impaired insulin secretion. Together, T1D and T2D affect over 10% of the US population. Current treatments for T1D and T2D are effective in treating hyperglycemia, where there are high levels of sugar in the blood, but are ineffective in treating hypoglycemia, where there is not enough blood sugar. Patients are required to monitor and rapidly respond to episodes of low blood sugar to prevent seizures, comas, or death. Novel treatment methods are required that can respond to both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have developed a hybrid microneedle patch to control both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in diabetes patients. The patch is glucose-responsive and releases insulin or glucagon depending on plasma glucose levels. The patch is constructed of dual modules that contain either insulin or glucagon, mimicking the functionality of pancreatic islet cells. The patch modules are copolymerized from the same monomers but contain different ratios of each monomer to result in differential response to glucose levels. A mask-mediated sequential photo-polymerization preparation strategy facilitates the integration of the two modules, loaded with insulin or glucagon, into the microneedle-array patch. This patch quickly and effectively controls hyperglycemia and minimizes hypoglycemia in the setting of insulin therapy as well as a simulated delayed meal or insulin overdose. The self-regulated patch performed twice as well at controlling hypoglycemia in mice than a commercial insulin patch. Commercialization of this technology with dual-response to glucose levels will improve patients health and quality of life.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
• Control of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in diabetic patients
• Type 1-2 diabetes treatment
ADVANTAGES:
• Self-regulated control glucose levels
• Treats both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
• Contains both insulin and glycogen compartments with fast response
• Painless, simple, and discreet device
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
The patch has been tested in a type 1 diabetic mouse model and effectively controlled hyperglycemia while minimizing the occurrence of hypoglycemia.