Oil-based formulations for oral delivery of therapeutic peptides

A novel technology has been developed by which water-soluble substances ranging from simple inorganic salts to complex macromolecules, are solubilized in the absence of water, into organic liquids. The resulting microphases are quite different from any that have been previously described in the literature and can potentially be used for delivery of drugs and other materials via a range of routes, including oral, topical, pulmonary, nasal and ocular. The formulations are prepared using a liposomal methodology, and liposomes may also play a role in the ultimate delivery of the drug. This presentation describes the manufacture and properties of the formulations, and presents data for their use in delivering insulin and calcitonin in vivo, using the juvenile pig model.