A team from Zhejiang University presented a breakthrough published in the journal Nature: needle-free insulin delivery. Thanks to the innovative OP polymer, insulin can cross the skin and reach the bloodstream safely, comfortably, and painlessly.
Originally developed for cancer therapies, the OP polymer overcomes the skin's natural barrier by interacting with its pH gradient. On the surface, it acquires a positive charge, and as it descends into deeper layers, it becomes hydrophilic, moving between cells to transport large molecules without compromising skin integrity.
Trials with the OP-I formula in diabetic mice normalized glucose levels in less than an hour, maintaining the effect for more than twelve hours and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Tests on minipigs confirmed its safety and efficacy without causing irritation, suggesting the great potential of future patches or creams.
The scope of this platform goes far beyond diabetes, as the polymer can transport other biological medications such as GLP-1 drugs (liraglutide and semaglutide), monoclonal antibodies, and siRNA. The technology already holds an industrial license and is steadily advancing toward human clinical trials.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09729-x