ABSTRACT:
The aim of this study was to formulate non-invasive extended release insulin gel for intranasal administration and to evaluate it with respect to its invitro release studies using high pressure liquid chromatographic technique and invivo hypoglycemic activity in rabbits using glucose oxidase peroxidise method. The insulin gel was formulated using chitosan as gelling agent. The invivo efficacy of insulin gel administered intranasally was assessed by measuring the blood glucose levels at specified time intervals. The use of bioadhesive nasal gel containing insulin not only promoted the extended release of the drug and prolonged contact between the drug and the absorptive sites in the nasal cavity but also facilitated direct absorption of medicament through the nasal mucosa. Absorption of the drug through the nasal mucosa was observed to be very high at 1.5 hours of the study and the relative bioavailability of nasal insulin gel was found to be 20.65% of a marketed subcutaneous solution of insulin. This study further demonstrates that non-invasive administration of insulin intranasally in gel form is a pleasant and painless alternative to injectable insulin with relatively high patient compliance.