Systemic delivery of insulin via an enhancer-free ocular device

Sodium insulin and zinc insulin ocular devices are developed for the systemic delivery of insulin. The devices consist of Gelfoam (absorbable gelatin sponge, USP) as an insulin carrier and do not contain any surfactant or absorption enhancer. Sodium insulin was dissolved in either distilled water, 30% ethanol, or 10% acetic acid for either eyedrop or device preparations. Because of its low solubility in water and aqueous ethanol solution, zinc insulin was dissolved in 10% acetic acid-water solution for eye devices preparation. Commercially availabile Humulin R was selected as another source of zinc insulin and was used as an eyedrop as well as one device preparation. Only 10% acetic acid solution-treated insulin devices produce significant blood glucose reduction. The dose of insulin used in this study is <50% of that used in the reported insulin devices.