Science & Nature

Indian scientists developed a thermostatic variety of insulin, which is easy to carry and has a longer shelf-life

The thermostatic insulin variety uses peptides from human bodies to revert the aggregation process when it is not stored in the refrigerator, says Scientist Partha Chakrabarti in an exclusive chat with Digpu News

A team of scientists recently developed a thermostatic variety of insulin, which is easy to carry and has a shelf-life of at least two months. There are no strict measures to carry it around while travelling.

In a conversation with Partha Chakrabarti, who is part of the team of four scientists responsible for making the thermostatic insulin, Digpu News Journalist finds out more details about this insulin formula. 

Chakrabarti is the principal scientist (Cell Biology & Physiology) at the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology. 

Firstly, Can you kindly explain what is thermostatic insulin?

If insulin is not frozen or kept at room temperature, the individual molecule of the insulin solution sticks to each other and loses its properties. This process is called ‘aggregation’. In our research, we have successfully reverted the process by adding peptides, a small form of protein, and creating the thermostatic variety of insulin.

What was the main objective behind such a long and tedious research?

The main objective of the research was to facilitate insulin reach in rural India by creating an easy to carry and temperature-resistant variety. Rural India does not have proper storage systems for this temperature-sensitive drug. Additionally, they have refrigeration and power issues. Also, diabetic people who are always in transit can carry them anywhere. We started our research with the initial idea of making insulin easily transportable in tropical countries like India.

Can you elaborate on the formulation of this new variety of insulin?

The formula uses a small tetrapeptide. It is a four-amino acid peptide. In a real-time dynamic NMR experiment, these peptides bind directly to certain residuals of the insulin. Thus, trapping in a particular conformation in a bio-active structure. It is an interesting 3D structure that is not prone to aggregation. 

What is the shelf-life of this insulin? 

As per the research, thermostatic insulin can last at least two months in experimental settings. 

What is the maximum and minimum temperature that the insulin can sustain?

We have kept the insulin at 37 degrees Celsius, which is also human body temperature, during the experiment. The maximum temperature it can sustain is 65 Degrees Centigrade, thus surviving in hot Arab countries. 

Is there any particular guideline for carrying them during travelling?

There is no such guideline to be followed to carry them while travelling. You can take any amount of insulin vial with you. Insulin formula usually gets ‘agitated’ with the slightest of vibration. We have tested for the same in high temperatures and found it out to be stable, thus making it travel-safe.   

On which type of diabetics, this insulin formulation works best?

It will be effective for both types of diabetics. Therapeutically, all Type-1 diabetic patients need to take insulin. But only a few Type-2 diabetic patients are recommended insulin injections. Our thermostatic formulation will work best for Type-2 diabetic patients. 

Today different kinds of insulin are available in the market. Which particular type of insulin does this formula work best? 

It depends on the clinical need. Our formulation uses peptides to revert the aggregation process. Therefore it will work best with long-acting and normal insulin. Recently, a lot of companies are producing ultra-short-acting insulin. Our formulation is not effective for that variety.

Will it have any adverse impact on the human body?

The major problem with any peptide-based formula is immunogenicity. But the peptide in the thermostatic variety is a part of another human protein. Therefore, it won’t have any immunogenicity effect. 

We have also studied toxic levels in the clinical trials (preliminary stages) and found the insulin safe for usage. We have not done any human trials yet but have conducted trials on both kinds of diabetic animals.

Do you have any plans for mass productions?

We have plans for mass production and are in talks with the companies. We have also applied for patenting the formula. 

Show More

Sayantika Bhowal

Sayantika Bhowal is a news connoisseur who is particularly interested in politics and human interest stories. She holds More »
Advertisment
Back to top button