Exploratory Trial of Intranasal Administration of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of our newly developed nasal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) compound and injector. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-six patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this double-blind placebo-controlled study. The nasal compound containing 1.2 mg of human GLP-1 (7-36) amide or placebo was administered immediately before every meal for 2 weeks. RESULTS The plasma peak concentration of active GLP-1 was 47.2 pmol/L, and its Tmax was 8.1 min. The early phase of insulin and glucagon secretion were recovered and suppressed, respectively, in the GLP-1 group. Glycoalbumin levels became significantly lower and 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels significantly higher after GLP-1 administration. No marked adverse events were observed after using nasal GLP-1. CONCLUSIONS The newly developed nasal GLP-1 compound may be a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes. The long-term application of the drug should be evaluated in future trials.