Technion close to develop oral consumption of medications to tackle COVID, flu, instead of vaccines

Just one look at a hypodermic needle is enough to make children – and many adults – cringe. Many may avoid flu, COVID-19, and other shots because they are very painful, or at least feared to be. And others, with insulin-dependent diabetes, have to inject themselves on a regular basis for the rest of their lives.

Imagine if antibodies, hormones for fertility, proteins like insulin, and vaccines could be swallowed instead of taken by injection – and that it would be inspired by the unique properties of human breast milk, which is not only recognized as the primary source of nutrition for newborns but also holds a unique position as a functional food that continues to influence health throughout various stages of life.

This revolution is closer than ever, according to researchers at the Haifa Technion-Institute of Technology who have just published their study in the Journal of Controlled Release under the title “Harnessing the potential of human breast milk to boost intestinal permeability for nanoparticles and macromolecules.”