No more insulin shots? Scientists test skin patch breakthrough

Technology Nov 19, 2025

Researchers at Zhejiang University have come up with a new way to deliver insulin—no needles needed.
Their special polymer-based topical treatment uses the skin's natural pH gradient to help insulin slip right through, which could make managing diabetes a lot less painful.

Works well in animal tests, with big potential ahead

In studies on mice and minipigs, the topical insulin treatment kept blood sugar steady for 12 hours—just like regular injections, but without causing inflammation and with minimal, if any, side effects observed in the studies.
The team hopes this approach could also work for other protein-based medicines, making treatments easier and friendlier in the future.