Oral administration of peptides: lipid microsystems by cryogenic CO2 expansion

We have  just completed PEPCOX, a challenging R&D project in close collaboration with BAPP  (Bioanalysis, Proteomics, and Pharmacology) a multidisciplinary TECNIO center at Hospital del Mar Research Institute

Using lipid-composite microspheres made by CryoXpand®, our in-house cryospraying technology based on rapid CO₂ expansion, PEPCOX concentrated on creating an efficient delivery system for the oral administration of GLP-1 agonist peptides.

With a significant oral bioavailability of GLP-1 agonist compared to subcutaneous injection of peptide solution, PEPCOX project achieved its first preclinical proof-of-concept.   When compared to non-diabetic controls, diabetic rats likewise showed a noticeable decrease in blood glucose levels and weight loss.

The positive outcome of PEPCOX confirms that lipid-composite microspheres manufactured with CryoXpand® technology can address the challenges of oral delivery of GLP-1 peptides for Type 2 diabetes and obesity treatments.

PEPCOX project was partially funded by ACCIÓ , in the framework of NUCLIS d’R+D 2022 program.