Veterinary Highlights: Insulin Delivery Patches for Dogs

An Australian molecular biologist, Dr. Esra Ogru, has teamed up with a Swiss-based Novartis Animal Health to perfect insulin delivery patches for dogs.

These patches will deliver an insulin gel through dog's skin. 

The technology is based on research into targetted penetration matrix (TPM) technology, which allows the delivery of drugs though the skin.

No more needles! 

Wouldn't that be a wonderful news for owners of diabetic dogs? (And I'm sure the dogs would appreciate it too. As much as Jasmine loves vets and is willing to put with a lot she does hate needles)

Unlike injections, the patch would deliver constant dose of insulin over a period of time.

I think it's a wonderful and exciting idea but two questions come to my mind.

• It seems that insulin is quite sensitive and needs to be stored very carefully to maintain potency. It needs to be stored in a refrigerator (but never in the freezer). Will the insulin in the patch maintain its potency?
• In a healthy dog, insulin enters the bloodstream after a meal when the glucose levels are the highest. Is a continuous constant dose going to control the glucose spikes after meals?

I know, I always have a why or how question to everything.

Overall though, sounds like a great idea to me. What do you think?

Original article:
Diabetic pets escape the insulin needle