Fully dissolved glucose-responsive insulin delivery system based on a self-immolative insulin prodrug and glucose oxidase

Abstract

Among various treatment options for diabetes, insulin therapy remains an important approach, but it inevitably carries the risk of hypoglycaemia, particularly due to dosing errors or unexpected glucose fluctuations. To address this challenge, glucose-responsive insulin delivery systems that release insulin based on blood glucose levels have emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we developed a fully dissolved glucose-responsive insulin delivery system using p-borono-phenylmethoxycarbonyl-modified insulin aspart (BPmoc-Ins-Asp) and glucose oxidase (GOx). This system uses BPmoc-Ins-Asp as a prodrug that remains inactive until activated by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), generated through GOx-mediated glucose oxidation. The BPmoc group undergoes a self-immolative reaction in response to H₂O₂, decomposing into boric acid, p-quinone methide, and CO₂, thereby restoring the amino group to its original state. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the conversion of BPmoc-Ins-Asp into active Ins-Asp in the presence of GOx and glucose. Cell-based assays demonstrated that BPmoc-Ins-Asp effectively masks insulin activity until activation. Once activated, the released Ins-Asp promoted glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, mimicking the physiological effects of insulin. In vivo studies further validated the system's glucose responsiveness, demonstrating glucose-lowering effects specifically under hyperglycaemic conditions, with no effect during normoglycaemic states. Unlike gel- or particle-based systems, this fully dissolved liquid formulation enables the use of thin needles for self-administration, simplifies manufacturing, and ensures consistent production quality, making it particularly suitable for clinical applications. These advantages underscore its potential for precise glucose control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycaemia.