Although it was not addressed in this study, there were data in adults to show that the intranasal route still resulted in good absorption of glucagon even with a stuffed-up nose. Indeed, Dr. Scherr noted that the uptake of intranasal glucagon did not require inhalation, which again might be difficult in a child or adult with hypoglycemia with reduced or lost consciousness.
Dr. Scherr acknowledged the limitation that intranasal glucagon was administered by a trained health care professional in the study and thus may not reflect the experience of the intended nonmedical users. That said, however, other data presented in a poster at the meeting by Dr. Jean-Francois Yale of McGill University in Montreal and associates showed that untrained, nonmedical individuals were able to give intranasal glucagon as successfully as trained caregivers.
Indeed, not only could lay people give the preparation more quickly by an intranasal than intramuscular route in a simulated hypoglycemia rescue situation in adults, their data showed it was associated with a much higher success rate and was much easier to give overall. Importantly, Dr. Yale and his team said, the different route of administration to insulin might actually reduce the risk for confusion and accidental delivery of insulin.
Dr. Scherr noted that intranasal glucagon could be stored at room temperature and had a projected shelf life of 2 years.
The study sponsor was T1D Exchange supported by Locemia Solutions ULC and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Dr. Scherr reported having no financial disclosures relevant to the current study and receiving product support from Medtronic Diabetes for investigator-initiated studies.
The study findings have previously been presented during a poster session at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association and were highlighted in an oral session at the EASD meeting on the future of diabetes therapy.