Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Intranasal Insulin Administered to Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background:

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a Bentley Pharmaceuticals (Exeter, NH) proprietary insulin formulation designed for intranasal administration were studied in patients with type 1 diabetes, using subcutaneous insulin or placebo as comparator.

Methods:

Seven fasting volunteer patients with type 1 diabetes (five men, two women; body mass index 23.54 ± 1.32 kg/m²) received up to four doses of medication (placebo, subcutaneous insulin, or intranasal insulin) at least 3 days apart. Serum insulin and plasma glucose were measured in the 5-h period after dosing.

Results:

The relative bioavailability of intranasal insulin compared with subcutaneous insulin was 16.6–19.8% over 2 h and 14.0–19.8% over 5 h. The formulation was generally well tolerated. At doses of 25 IU and above, a rise in serum insulin levels accompanied by a decrease in plasma glucose was seen. Peak insulin levels were generally attained in 15–20 min and remained elevated for approximately 1 h; the resultant effect upon glucose peaked at 40 min and waned 1.5–2 h post-dosing. The effect was dose related. Mean peak insulin levels increased with dose escalation. As reported in other insulin studies, the inter-individual responsiveness to insulin was variable.

Conclusions:

This intranasal formulation was generally well tolerated, and relatively well absorbed as demonstrated by a rapid rise in serum insulin level and concomitant reduction of plasma glucose levels.