ished in Diabetes, the researchers, working with
graduate student Eytan Gershonov, demonstrated that their approach
works well for insulin, a drug used by diabetics to normalize their blood
glucose levels. When diabetic rats were given insulin modified with the
molecular "plug," a single injection kept glucose levels at a normal level for
two days. In contrast, a single injection of unmodified insulin
produced the same effect for only 6-12 hours.
The new "plug" is a small organic molecule widely used in the production of
organic compounds. In the test tube, it slowly disconnects from the
drug under the temperature and pH conditions equivalent to those prevalent in
human blood. The scientists can create different versions of the molecular plug
that can be disconnected at different rates, so that the speed of the drug
release into circulation can be precisely
controlled.
Currently, the Institute scientists are exploring an additional potential
advantage of this technology. Test-tube experiments suggest that the organic
plug may improve drug absorption by the intestines. If these findings are
supported by further studies, the plug technology, which is
covered by a patent, may be used to convert injected drugs into oral
medications.
To commercialize the new method, a start-up company, LAPID Pharmaceuticals Ltd.,
has recently been formed by Pamot Venture Capital Fund and Yeda Research and
Development Co. Ltd, the Weizmann Institute's technology transfer arm.
Prof. Fridkin holds the Lester B. Pearson Chair of Protein Research, and Prof.
Shechter, the Charles H. Hollenberg Chair of Diabetes and MetabolicResearch.
'"/>
Contact: Julie Osler
JOsler@CompuServe.com
212-779-2500
American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
15-Mar-1999
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