Nastech reports positive findings on nasal treatment for diabetes, delivery of large molecules

New York, June 27 - Nastech Pharmaceutical Co. Inc. reported that two new abstracts indicate an intranasal formulation could have value for type 2 diabetes while peptide-based agents helped delivery of large molecules via the nose.

Both abstracts were presented at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists national biotechnology conference in Boston.

In one, Nastech said a proprietary intranasal formulation of a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 showed high cell viability with increased permeation in vitro. In vivo pharmacokinetic testing with Nastech's formulation resulted in an 11% bioavailability of the drug in a preclinical model demonstrating the ability to significantly enhance delivery across the nasal epithelium.

Further testing showed that intranasal GLP-1 decreased peak glucose concentration in a similar manner to exendin-4 and was responsible for the release of insulin in response to elevated blood glucose following an oral glucose tolerance test.

Nastech said it believes the data supports the potential for further development of intranasal GLP-1 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

In the second abstract, Nastech presented in vitro and in vivo results demonstrating the use of peptide-based agents to enhance intranasal drug delivery of large molecules.

Formulations tested were comprised of a therapeutic peptide and one of the following: a single permeation-enhancing peptide; a single permeation-enhancing pegylated peptide; or a combination of small molecule excipients optimized to enhance drug permeation.

The formulations containing a single peptide or pegylated peptide permeation enhancer produced similar or better bioavailability of the therapeutic peptide in the bloodstream when compared to the formulations using multiple small molecule excipients that have previously demonstrated enhanced bioavailability in the clinic.

Nastech is a Bothell, Wash., pharmaceutical company.

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