Let's make insulin

The differences between animal-derived insulin and human insulin

Insulin injections are used for managing blood sugar levels in individuals who can’t naturally produce insulin. For many years insulin was derived from animals, mainly porcine or bovine pancreases, but the production of human insulin became a more popular alternative since its discovery in the 1980s. Manufacturing biosynthetic human insulin via gene technologies is a preferred method for not having to depend on animals as well as the possibility to produce unlimited amounts by multiplying the insulin gene inside bacteria.

Aside from production efficiency, as extracting large amounts from animal tissue is challenging, some issues with animal-derived insulin production are related to the raw animal tissues and diseases such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) and possible cross-contamination through injections. Furthermore, the chemical differences between human and animal insulin can lead to antibody attacks, inactivation and inflammation.

However, a shortage of animal-sourced insulin in developed countries is a concern for a small number of individuals who experience severe hypoglycemic episodes when using biosynthetic insulin, and generally feel healthier when undergoing an animal-derived insulin treatment.

The steps and technology in recombinant insulin production processes

The future of insulin patents and treatment delivery

Although the use of insulin pens is practical due to their reusable nature, ability to increase patient compliance and accuracy, there are innovative solutions to enhance the delivery of insulin in the future. An alternative would be oral application, however, scientists are looking for ways to avoid enzymatic degradation upon consumption. Solutions can be found in nanoparticle-based approaches which protect insulin from gastrointestinal conditions and enhance the permeability of the enzyme.

A further option is the bioresponsive insulin delivery system, which accelerates insulin release with increasing glucose levels. Furthermore, manufacturers are working on the production of inhaled insulin devices, with insulin particles small enough to reach the deep lung and pass into the bloodstream. Another aerosol option is buccal insulin, a spray absorbed through the inner cheek wall. Finally, absorbing insulin through the skin with the help of insulin patches is another idea in development.