New Pill Technology Poised to Replace Injections for Protein-Based Medications
August 4, 2025 — In a breakthrough that could significantly improve patient experience and treatment adherence, researchers at the University of Bath have developed an innovative pill technology capable of delivering protein-based medications orally—a feat that has long eluded pharmaceutical science.
The Challenge of Protein-Based Drugs
Protein-based drugs, including hormones, antibodies, and therapeutic peptides, currently require administration by injection. This is because such proteins are typically broken down by digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestines, rendering oral delivery ineffective. Injections, while functional, often cause discomfort and inconvenience for patients, particularly those managing chronic conditions requiring frequent dosing. This can lead to missed doses and suboptimal treatment outcomes.
A Novel Solution Mimicking Gut Biology
Addressing this issue, a team led by Professor Randy Mrsny from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences has developed a delivery system that transports therapeutic proteins safely across the gut wall and into the bloodstream. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Controlled Release.
The core of this system involves linking the therapeutic protein—with human growth hormone used in initial studies—to a non-toxic carrier molecule derived from a bacteria naturally residing in the gut, famously associated with cholera but rendered harmless. This carrier binds to specific receptors on intestinal cells, harnessing a natural transcytosis pathway to ferry the protein drug intact across the intestinal lining directly into circulation.
Effective and Safe Delivery
The system has demonstrated consistent delivery of approximately 5–10% of the protein drug dose into the bloodstream in animal models. While this bioavailability might seem modest compared to injections, it is sufficient to make oral protein therapies commercially viable.
Importantly, unlike prior approaches, this method does not damage the intestinal epithelium, ensuring the gut’s protective barrier remains intact. The platform is also versatile, potentially adaptable to a broad range of protein-based medicines, from growth hormones to immunotherapies for cancer, as well as treatments for diabetes and weight management medications like Wegovy and Ozempic.
Implications for Patients and Healthcare
Professor Mrsny emphasized the vast potential impact: “This pathway is well understood and derived from natural human intestinal processes, so we know it will work in patients. Our method offers a safer, more consistent delivery without the need for needles. This could transform the lives of patients—especially children and those with chronic diseases—who currently require daily injections.”
Next Steps Toward Human Trials
Having successfully tested the system in rats, the research team is collaborating with pharmaceutical partners to refine the technology. They anticipate initiating preliminary human trials within two years, marking a major step forward in making protein-based therapies more accessible and patient-friendly.
Conclusion
This pioneering pill technology represents a significant stride toward needle-free administration of protein drugs, promising increased convenience and adherence for millions worldwide. If successful in humans, it may revolutionize the treatment landscape for many conditions, reducing the burden imposed by painful injections and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
Reference:
Taverner, A., et al. (2025). Human Fc CH2 domain modifies cholix transcytosis pathway to facilitate efficient oral therapeutic protein delivery. Journal of Controlled Release. DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.113964
Provided by the University of Bath
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