Oral Exenatide-4 Shows Positive Results

While we are waiting for a once a day and once a week injectable GLP-1(exentide-4), Oramed Pharmaceuticals presented the results of a once a day oral administration of exenatide-4. 

The study suggested that the GLP-1analog exenatide -4 when combined with Oramed’s absorption promoters is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and retains its biological activity

Oramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. developer of proprietary drug delivery systems, presented the results last week of its exploratory study entitled “Enteral Administration of Exenatide-4; Proof of Concept Pharmacodynamic Study” at the Diabetes Technology Society’s Conference in Bethesda, Maryland.

Oramed’s drug delivery technology is being utilized for the oral delivery of polypeptides and proteins. The Company previously demonstrated that using its proprietary technology enables the delivery of insulin when administered orally. 

Exenatide -4 is a GLP-1 analog belonging to a new family of drugs referred to as the incretin mimetics.  In addition to exenatide-4, incretin mimetics include liraglutide and a number of other GLP-1 analogs under development.  Incretins are produced in the intestines and are released in response to meals. Incretins stimulate insulin secretions from the pancreas as well as delay gastric emptying. This has the effect of reducing blood glucose, which is central in the management of diabetes. Incretins have also been associated with reduction in appetite and may bring about gradual weight loss.  Further, incretins appear to promote beta-cell regeneration and survival.

The study was conducted in dogs and the absorption of exenatide was assessed by measuring the effect of exenatide-4 on glucose absorption after oral glucose administration. Control experiments consisted of oral administration of the same amount of glucose but without exenatide-4. Two doses of exenatide -4 were tested and the drug was administered 30 minutes prior to the oral glucose load. The study suggested that exenatide-4 when combined with Oramed’s absorption promoters significantly reduces glucose absorption and does so in a dose proportional manner.

Currently, exenatide-4 and all other GLP1 analogs are only available as injections. An oral dosage form such as a tablet or capsule that would replace the injection is likely to broaden the use of these important drugs and foster compliance and adherence among patients. Furthermore, it is plausible that the oral route of administration may convey physiological advantages for exenatide-4 and other analogs as it replicates the physiological route of incretin absorption, from the gut and conveyed to the portal vein and liver.

Oramed Pharmaceuticals is a technology pioneer in the field of oral delivery solutions for drugs and vaccines presently delivered via injection.  Oramed is seeking to revolutionize the treatment of diabetes through its patented flagship product, an orally ingestible insulin capsule currently in phase 2 clinical trials. Oramed’s technology is based on over 25 years of research by top research scientists at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center. The Company’s corporate and R&D headquarters are based in Jerusalem.

For more information, please visit www.oramed.com