Overview
- Rice University scientists reported the SABER platform in Nature Nanotechnology, describing a peptide hydrogel that retains both small molecules and biologics.
- In tuberculosis-infected mice, a single SABER-based injection outperformed near-daily oral dosing over a two-week period.
- In diabetic mice, insulin delivered via the hydrogel controlled blood sugar for six days compared with roughly four hours using conventional administration.
- The amino-acid gel formed a temporary nodule under the skin and gradually dissolved without reported toxic byproducts in the studies.
- Researchers present this as an early, versatile platform now being refined for broader uses, with current evidence limited to preclinical models and supported by multi-agency funding and collaborations.