Summary: French researchers have developed a new hydrogel-based drug delivery system that could reduce semaglutide injections for type 2 diabetes and weight loss treatment from weekly to monthly, potentially improving patient adherence and health outcomes. The technology is showing promising results in early studies and may enter clinical trials in the coming years.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
French scientists have developed a novel drug delivery system that could allow people with type 2 diabetes or obesity to receive their medication just once a month, instead of weekly. This breakthrough could significantly improve treatment adherence and patient quality of life.
The new system, designed for the popular diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide, uses an innovative hydrogel to slowly release the medication over the course of a month. This approach could make it much easier for patients to stick to their treatment plans, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
Why it matters: Improved medication adherence could lead to better blood sugar control and weight management for millions of people worldwide, reducing the risk of serious complications associated with diabetes and obesity.
From weekly shots to monthly doses
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the current weekly injection schedule can be burdensome for many patients.
Dr. Claire Mégret, lead author of the study from ADOCIA, a French biotechnology company, explained, “Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1) drugs have transformed type 2 diabetes care, but weekly injections can be burdensome for patients. A single shot a month could make it much easier for people living with diabetes or obesity to stick to their drug regimens, improving quality of life and reducing side effects and diabetes complications.”
The need for better adherence
Current data shows that adherence to injected semaglutide is only 39-67% for type 2 diabetes patients after one year of treatment. For those using the drug for weight loss, adherence drops to about 40%. Even daily oral formulations of similar medications have adherence rates of around 40% after a year.
These low adherence rates highlight the need for more convenient dosing options. The new hydrogel delivery system aims to address this challenge by maintaining steady drug levels in the body at optimal concentrations over an extended period.
How the hydrogel works
The hydrogel platform uses two innovative degradable polymers that are chemically bound together to form a gel. This gel allows for the slow, sustained release of semaglutide over one to three months.
Dr. Mégret described the process: “A small dollop of gel, known as a ‘depot,’ of the semaglutide-laden hydrogel is injected under the skin. The challenge is to formulate the hydrogel to entrap the peptides to limit initial burst (early release) of semaglutide molecules and, at the same time, to allow smooth release and controlled dissolving of the gel over one month, without generating toxic molecules.”
Promising early results
The researchers tested several formulations of the hydrogel in laboratory settings to determine the best candidate for drug release rate, duration of action, and semaglutide load. They found that the hydrogel could be easily injected using standard needles and began forming within minutes of mixing, ensuring a comfortable and discreet injection site.
In vitro tests showed extended and constant release rates over one to three months for all formulations. The team also discovered that they could tailor the release duration by optimizing the hydrogel properties and drug loading.
Animal testing shows potential
The hydrogel-semaglutide formulation was tested in six laboratory rats, demonstrating a regular release over a one-month period with limited early release after a single injection. Importantly, the hydrogel was well-tolerated, with no signs of inflammation throughout the treatment period.
Dr. Mégret commented on the next steps: “Our pre-clinical results demonstrate that the regular, slow release of semaglutide over one month after administering a single dose, with limited early release, is achievable. Next we will be testing the hydrogel platform in pigs, whose skin and endocrine systems are most similar to those in humans. If that goes well, we will move forward the platform development by expecting clinical trials within the next few years.”
Looking ahead: Implications for diabetes and obesity treatment
If successful in human trials, this new hydrogel delivery system could have far-reaching implications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. By reducing the frequency of injections from weekly to monthly, patients may find it easier to adhere to their medication regimens, leading to improved glycemic control and more successful weight management.
Additionally, the steady release of medication over time could help minimize side effects and provide more consistent therapeutic benefits. This could be particularly beneficial for patients who experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels or weight with current treatment options.
The development of this hydrogel technology also opens up possibilities for other medications that currently require frequent dosing. If successful, this approach could be applied to a wide range of treatments, potentially improving outcomes for various chronic conditions.
As the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity continues to rise, innovations like this hydrogel delivery system offer hope for more effective and patient-friendly treatment options. While further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans, this technology represents a promising step forward in the management of these challenging health conditions.
Quiz:
- What is the current dosing schedule for semaglutide injections?
- What is the adherence rate for injected semaglutide in type 2 diabetes patients after one year?
- In which animal model will the researchers test the hydrogel next?
Answer Key:
- Weekly
- 39-67%
- Pigs
