Could this promising new pill change life with diabetes? Human trials starting soon!
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Living with diabetes can be a daily juggling act—counting carbs, monitoring blood sugar, and, for many, enduring the discomfort of regular insulin injections.
But what if there was a way to manage diabetes without the needles?
That dream might be closer than ever, thanks to a groundbreaking new insulin pill developed right here in Australia, which is set to begin human trials within months.
A Homegrown Breakthrough
The innovative insulin pill, created by Australian start-up Endo Axiom, has just received a significant boost—a million-dollar government grant to help move this promising treatment from the laboratory to the clinic.
This funding is part of a broader $12 million investment in 14 Australian start-ups, all focused on developing cutting-edge medical devices and drugs.
Dr Nicholas Hunt, Endo Axiom’s chief executive, couldn’t hide his excitement: ‘We get to find out now if it really does work in type 1 diabetes and we couldn't be more excited to have that happen.’ For many Australians living with diabetes, this could be a game-changer.
How Does the Insulin Pill Work?
The secret behind this pill’s potential lies in nanotechnology. While the idea of an insulin pill has been around for years, the challenge has always been getting the insulin safely through the harsh environment of the stomach and into the bloodstream where it’s needed.
Endo Axiom’s pill uses a unique three-layer design to protect the insulin and help it be absorbed effectively.
But there’s more: this isn’t just any insulin pill—it’s a ‘smart insulin’. According to Dr Hunt, ‘For us, the unique aspect of this technology is that it's both a pill and a smart insulin. No-one has taken it to clinical trials with that combination before.’
What makes it ‘smart’? The insulin in the pill is designed to respond to the patient’s glucose levels, turning on when blood sugar is high and switching off when it drops too low. This could help reduce the risk of dangerous lows (hypoglycaemia) and make diabetes management much simpler.
In earlier news: World-first diabetes drug could make insulin injections a thing of the past—what’s next?
A Personal Mission
For researcher Sophie Kang, who is part of the team and lives with type 1 diabetes herself, the project is deeply personal.
‘It will make things more simplified [and] can also remove the stigma people have,’ she said. The hope is that, by replacing injections with a pill, people with diabetes will have a more discreet and less invasive way to manage their condition.
What Happens Next?
The pill has already shown to be safe and effective in animal studies, and now, with the government’s support, human trials are expected to begin in the new year.
If successful, this could pave the way for a revolution in diabetes care—not just in Australia, but around the world.
Australia’s Proud Medical Research Tradition
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted Australia’s strong track record in medical research, but also noted that too often, local discoveries end up being commercialised overseas. This new funding aims to keep Australian innovation at home, benefiting local patients first.
Looking Ahead
Of course, there’s still a way to go before the insulin pill could be available at your local pharmacy. Clinical trials will need to prove it’s safe and effective for humans, and regulatory approval will follow. But the signs are promising, and the excitement in the medical community is palpable.
Related story: Sweet Tooth, Bitter Truth: The High Cost of Free Sugars in Our Golden Years
What do you think about the idea of an insulin pill? Would it make a difference in your life or the life of someone you know? Have you faced challenges with injections or managing your diabetes? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your comments below and join the conversation!
But what if there was a way to manage diabetes without the needles?
That dream might be closer than ever, thanks to a groundbreaking new insulin pill developed right here in Australia, which is set to begin human trials within months.
A Homegrown Breakthrough
The innovative insulin pill, created by Australian start-up Endo Axiom, has just received a significant boost—a million-dollar government grant to help move this promising treatment from the laboratory to the clinic.
This funding is part of a broader $12 million investment in 14 Australian start-ups, all focused on developing cutting-edge medical devices and drugs.
Dr Nicholas Hunt, Endo Axiom’s chief executive, couldn’t hide his excitement: ‘We get to find out now if it really does work in type 1 diabetes and we couldn't be more excited to have that happen.’ For many Australians living with diabetes, this could be a game-changer.
A new insulin pill developed in Australia, aiming to replace insulin injections, is set to be trialled by people with diabetes within months. Image source: The University of Sydney / Youtube.
How Does the Insulin Pill Work?
The secret behind this pill’s potential lies in nanotechnology. While the idea of an insulin pill has been around for years, the challenge has always been getting the insulin safely through the harsh environment of the stomach and into the bloodstream where it’s needed.
Endo Axiom’s pill uses a unique three-layer design to protect the insulin and help it be absorbed effectively.
But there’s more: this isn’t just any insulin pill—it’s a ‘smart insulin’. According to Dr Hunt, ‘For us, the unique aspect of this technology is that it's both a pill and a smart insulin. No-one has taken it to clinical trials with that combination before.’
What makes it ‘smart’? The insulin in the pill is designed to respond to the patient’s glucose levels, turning on when blood sugar is high and switching off when it drops too low. This could help reduce the risk of dangerous lows (hypoglycaemia) and make diabetes management much simpler.
In earlier news: World-first diabetes drug could make insulin injections a thing of the past—what’s next?
A Personal Mission
For researcher Sophie Kang, who is part of the team and lives with type 1 diabetes herself, the project is deeply personal.
‘It will make things more simplified [and] can also remove the stigma people have,’ she said. The hope is that, by replacing injections with a pill, people with diabetes will have a more discreet and less invasive way to manage their condition.
What Happens Next?
The pill has already shown to be safe and effective in animal studies, and now, with the government’s support, human trials are expected to begin in the new year.
If successful, this could pave the way for a revolution in diabetes care—not just in Australia, but around the world.
Australia’s Proud Medical Research Tradition
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted Australia’s strong track record in medical research, but also noted that too often, local discoveries end up being commercialised overseas. This new funding aims to keep Australian innovation at home, benefiting local patients first.
Looking Ahead
Of course, there’s still a way to go before the insulin pill could be available at your local pharmacy. Clinical trials will need to prove it’s safe and effective for humans, and regulatory approval will follow. But the signs are promising, and the excitement in the medical community is palpable.
Related story: Sweet Tooth, Bitter Truth: The High Cost of Free Sugars in Our Golden Years
What do you think about the idea of an insulin pill? Would it make a difference in your life or the life of someone you know? Have you faced challenges with injections or managing your diabetes? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your comments below and join the conversation!
