GlucaGon, a recombinant DNA product, was developed as a nasal formulation of glucagon for the treatment of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Glucagon is widely used by insulin dependent diabetic patients as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemic reactions. Use of genetically engineered glucagon by both intranasal and intramuscular methods has a similar effect on hepatic glucose production rate as natural glucagon from pancreatic extraction.
Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. Glucagon is released by the pancreas when blood sugar (glucose) levels fall too low. Glucagon causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose thus increasing glucose levels and having the opposite effect of insulin.
The process comprises treating pancreatic gland material having
hyperglycemic activity in aqueous solution at pH 3-4 with 3-4 volumes of
acetone to precipitate the hyperglycemic activity material, separating the
precipitate and dializing the precipitate to remove inorganic salts and
dialyzable low molecular weight impurities, and crystallizing the undialyzed
hyperglycemic activity material from aqueous glycine buffer.
