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Abstract

A controlled release pharmaceutical formulation comprises nanoparticles formed of a biodegradable polycyanoacrylate polymer in which insulin is entrapped, the insulin being complexed to the polycyanoacrylate. These particles are capable of releasing bioactive insulin in vivo at a slower release rate than nanoparticles in which the insulin is free. The formulation may comprise a mixture of nanoparticles in which the insulin is free and nanoparticles in which it is complexed, so as to obtain the desired release profile. The nanoparticles have a preferred loading of 15-25% w/v insulin and a preferred size of 100-400 nm. Administration may be oral or parenteral, and for oral administration, an enteric coating may be provided to target release to the small intestine. Complexing of the insulin is achieved by the polymerisation of cyanoacrylate monomer in the presence of insulin at a low pH, preferably at about pH=2.

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First Claim