Scientists have developed a new type of skin cream that can successfully deliver insulin through the skin, bringing real hope to millions of people living with diabetes. This is not a cosmetic cream. It is a medical breakthrough based on a special polymer that helps insulin move through the tough outer layers of human skin and enter the bloodstream without injections.
The research was led by scientists at Zhejiang University in China, and the work has been published in major scientific journals. Instead of using needles, the team created a skin permeable polymer that can carry insulin molecules deep into the skin. In animal tests, applying this cream worked almost as quickly as injecting insulin with a syringe ScienceAlert+1.
For decades, insulin has been difficult to deliver without needles because it is a large protein. The outer layer of skin, called the stratum corneum, acts like a strong barrier that blocks most large molecules from entering the body. What makes this new cream special is the material used to transport the insulin. The scientists used a smart polymer that changes its electric charge as it moves through different skin layers. This allows it to slip past the skin’s barriers instead of getting stuck.
This polymer works in a very clever way. The surface of the skin is slightly acidic, while deeper layers are more neutral in pH. The polymer starts in a charged form and then turns into a zwitterion, a molecule with both positive and negative charges, as it moves deeper. This shift reduces friction with skin lipids and helps the insulin travel smoothly through the skin and into the body News-Medical.
In laboratory tests on mice and minipigs, which have skin very similar to human skin, insulin delivered through the cream lowered blood sugar levels almost as fast as traditional injections. The effect lasted for hours, and the animals showed stable glucose control without skin damage or irritation. Researchers also observed that the polymer and insulin entered the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels before circulating through the body Science News.
This development could be life changing for people with diabetes, especially those who fear needles or struggle with daily injections. Many patients skip doses due to pain, inconvenience, or emotional stress tied to frequent shots. A painless cream could improve treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.
However, it is important to understand that this insulin cream is not yet ready for pharmacy shelves. So far, the success has been in animal testing. Human clinical trials are still needed to confirm safety, effectiveness, and long term results. Scientists are now working toward regulatory approval for these next phases The Times of India.
If human trials succeed, this technology could also be used to deliver other protein based medicines through the skin. That means future treatments for other chronic diseases might also avoid needles. Experts believe this could open a new era in painless drug delivery.
Right now, the insulin cream is still in the research stage, but the results so far are considered highly promising. It represents one of the most realistic steps toward replacing daily insulin injections with a simple, painless skin application for people living with diabetes.
0 Comments