Novo Nordisk Publishes Nature Paper on New Smart Insulin to Prevent Hypoglycemia
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Novo Nordisk Publishes Nature Paper on New Smart Insulin to Prevent Hypoglycemia
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Novo Nordisk Publishes Nature Paper on New Smart Insulin to Prevent Hypoglycemia
Globally, more than 500 million people suffer from diabetes, which causes nearly 7 million deaths annually. This disease is characterized by elevated glucose levels in the blood, primarily due to insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin response.
Although synthetic insulin injections help regulate blood sugar levels, glucose concentrations can fluctuate due to various factors like diet and physical activity, making it difficult to determine the correct insulin dosage. Even slightly excessive doses can result in hypoglycemia—a severe complication where dangerously low blood sugar levels may cause unconsciousness, coma, or even death. To avoid this risk, many patients reduce their insulin usage, compromising blood glucose control and increasing the likelihood of long-term complications from chronic hyperglycemia.
Since the 1970s, researchers have been working on designing glucose-sensitive insulin—a type of insulin that can automatically adjust its bioactivity based on glucose levels, achieving better glucose control without hypoglycemia. Despite numerous studies and patents in the field, no viable solution has yet reached clinical application.
On October 16, 2024, researchers from Novo Nordisk published a breakthrough study in the prestigious journal Nature titled: “Glucose-sensitive insulin with attenuation of hypoglycaemia.”
A Smarter Insulin: Adaptive Control of Blood Sugar Levels
This research presents a novel insulin, designed to modify its activity based on glucose concentrations. This “smart insulin” decreases its bioactivity when blood sugar drops, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. The new insulin offers diabetic patients a safer and more adaptable way to manage blood sugar levels.
The design of this glucose-sensitive insulin—named NNC2215—is a significant step toward achieving reversible bioactivity. It can automatically adjust according to the body’s glucose levels, providing better control without the risk of excessive glucose reduction.
In high glucose conditions, NNC2215’s molecular “switch” activates, enhancing insulin activity to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream. Conversely, when glucose levels fall, the switch turns off, reducing insulin’s activity to prevent further glucose absorption.
Experimental Findings and Animal Trials
The research team demonstrated that NNC2215’s affinity for insulin receptors increased by 3.2 times when glucose levels rose from 3 mM to 20 mM—closely mimicking blood sugar fluctuations in diabetic patients.
In diabetic animal models (rats and pigs), NNC2215 was shown to be as effective as standard human insulin in lowering glucose levels. Additionally, the glucose-sensitive property of NNC2215 allowed these animals to avoid hypoglycemic episodes, unlike those treated with conventional insulin.
Implications for Diabetes Treatment
This new smart insulin promises to address both key challenges in diabetes management:
- Reducing the risk of hypoglycemia
- Responding quickly to blood sugar increases after meals
By balancing rapid glucose-lowering action with enhanced safety, NNC2215 offers an improved treatment option compared to current insulin therapies. It has the potential to keep blood glucose within the normal range without causing hypoglycemic events, reducing both short- and long-term complications associated with diabetes.
For more details, access the full paper at Nature:
Novo Nordisk Publishes Nature Paper on New Smart Insulin to Prevent Hypoglycemia
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