Macromol oral delivery system data

The U.K. company reported results in a total of 135 healthy human volunteers at two recent meetings in Europe, showing reductions in a byproduct of bone breakdown after oral doses of peptide salmon calcitonin. Until now, the peptide has been given by injection or intranasally due to its breakdown in the gut.

Macromol delivery of 400 and 800 iu gave "meaningful reductions" in urinary DPD in normal volunteers, although the number of subjects in each group (n=6) precluded statistical analysis, said Leon Gauci, executive vice president for U.S. operations. Normal bone metabolism results in release of collagen cross-links in urine (DPD), and calcitonin is usually unable to change the value in healthy people. The change in young adults who are typically unresponsive to calcitonin predicts that effects should be observed in patients, the company said. ...