Getting there is half the battle

Oral formulations of therapeutic proteins face two main challenges: uptake of the protein and the prevention of degradation as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Novo Nordisk A/S is trying to solve the first problem by partnering with Emisphere Technologies Inc., which will use its eligen delivery technology to develop oral formulations of the Danish company’s glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists for Type II diabetes.

While the technology may enhance uptake of the peptide through the GI epithelium, it’s not yet clear whether the technology will address the issue of degradation. However, Novo Nordisk EVP and CSO Mads Thomsen believes his company has the expertise and protein engineering capabilities to solve any potential problems with degradation...