A new oral route for GLP-1 therapies emerges
A novel method for delivering peptide-based drugs, specifically GLP-1 analogues, has been demonstrated in diabetic mice. Researchers engineered the common food-grade bacterium *Lactococcus lactis* to produce and secrete these therapeutic peptides. When administered orally, the recombinant bacteria successfully delivered the GLP-1 analogues, which were then absorbed through the intestinal mucosa via a receptor-mediated process. This systemic delivery restored the structural integrity of pancreatic islets and produced significant hypoglycaemic effects, offering a promising alternative to injectable treatments.
Why it might matter to you: This research represents a significant leap in drug delivery technology with clear implications for infectious disease therapeutics. The platform of using engineered probiotic bacteria for oral delivery could be adapted for next-generation biologics, including monoclonal antibodies or antiviral peptides, potentially revolutionizing treatment regimens that currently require injections. For professionals focused on antimicrobial resistance and pandemic preparedness, this technology opens a new avenue for developing stable, easily administered countermeasures against emerging pathogens, aligning with One Health approaches to improve global health security.
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