Question

Consult the internet and find out how to make orally active protein pharmaceuticals. What is the major problem to be encountered?

Answer 1

Orally active protein pharmaceuticals contain biologically active materials such as peptides or proteins, antibodies, and polymeric beads. The body administers it orally through various formulations. It involves encapsulating protein or peptide in liposomes or formulations using penetration enhancers. People use these proteins or peptides as vaccines and for the treatment of various diseases. However, the oral administration of these peptides or proteins presents several related challenges. Once ingested, the stomach juices' proteases denature these proteins. This will nullify their effect. Therefore, it is essential to protect the therapeutic protein from digestive enzymes when it is taken orally. We inject the proteins directly into the target site to meet this requirement.