Phosphagenics Limited is developing a skin gel that administers insulin. They are currently testing the effect of long-acting insulin in the patented formula.

Research has demonstrated that a single application of the insulin gel rapidly delivered insulin into the bloodstream without any adverse reactions. Additionally, it significantly lowered blood glucose, insulin and c-peptide levels.

The company has been working on improving drug effectiveness and cost efficiency through a process called phosphorylation. Many enzymes and receptors are switched "on" or "off" by phosphorylation, including the glucose lowering properties of insulin. Once inside the skin -- enzymes activate these properties, impacting the blood sugar. This does not cause irritation to the skin, allows for a sustained release of medication in just one application, begins to take effect within an hour of application, can be used with many forms of prescriptions (small and large molecule medicines), and is economical to produce.

If it significantly reduced c-peptide levels, this might be more appropriate for type 2 diabetics - for a temporary basis. Judging by numbers, majority rules and since 80% of diabetics are type 2...this could be a feather in the capitalists cap for pain-free insulin delivery. However, if blood sugar control becomes as easy as a handi-wipe, how motivated will anyone be to eat right and exercise? Wash your hands for dinner, please.

The scientists at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that it is possible to regenerate damaged cells of the pancreas. Although the cells that revealed this discovery are not the beta cells of the pancreas, researchers believe that this research could find new ways to replenish the organs ability to produce insulin in diabetics.

The pancreas is made up of two compartments with different functions: the islet compartment of insulin-producing beta cells and the much larger exocrine compartment composed of duct cells and acinar cells that make and deliver enzymes to the intestine for digestion. Diabetes is caused by the failure of the beta cells to make insulin, whereas pancreatic cancer usually originates from the exocrine compartment. Under certain conditions in tissue culture, acinar cells can synthesize insulin as well as amylase, a digestion enzyme.

Evidence from this research is pointing to the beta cell itself as the most promising source for generating new beta cells. The focus of research is now shifting toward the direct stimulation of islet cell growth in live animals. In contrast, once acinar cells are removed from the organism and placed into culture, they may have greater potential to change into other cell types, including beta cells. As a result, Stoffers' animal model and technical approach is currently being used by other groups in the United States, Europe, and China to determine conditions under which acinar cells can take on the features of duct cells and beta cells.