In a breakthrough, a group of scientists in India has developed a thermostable version of insulin, which doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Insulin typically needs to be stored at around 36-46°F (2–8°C). The new thermostable insulin can survive temperatures of up to 149°F (65°C). This innovation provides a significant advantage for people with diabetes worldwide, allowing greater mobility and easier storage for clinics and homes alike.
Zoom In: The research was led by scientists at the Bose Institute, the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology. The scientists introduced a matrix of four amino acid peptide molecules inside insulin molecules to develop the thermostable insulin, thereby preventing the solidification of insulin molecules even when they are not refrigerated. The team wants to name the new insulin after Jagadish Chandra Bose, the founder of the Bose Institute and a Bengali scientist/science fiction writer who made major advances in the study of plant physiology.
