Insulin Family advanced
Insulin Degludec Multi-Hexamer Chains
Self-assembly of insulin degludec into soluble multi-hexamer chains in subcutaneous tissue for ultra-long basal release.
By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 1 min read
insulin degludec hexamer self-assembly pharmacokinetics
Overview
Insulin degludec forms soluble multi-hexamer chains upon subcutaneous injection, creating a depot that slowly releases insulin monomers over more than 42 hours.
Self-Assembly Mechanism
- Formulation: Clear solution with phenol and zinc
- Injection: Phenol diluted by tissue fluid
- Hexamer formation: Zinc-mediated hexamer assembly
- Chain formation: Hexamers link via zinc bridges
- Gradual dissolution: Multi-hexamer chains dissociate slowly
- Monomer release: Active monomers enter circulation
Structural Features
- Fatty acid linker: Hexadecanedioic acid at LysB29
- Glutamic acid spacer: Connects fatty acid to peptide
- Zinc coordination: Bridges between hexamers
- Soluble depot: No precipitation (unlike glargine)
Chemical Identity
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Insulin Degludec Multi-Hexamer Chains |
| Category | Insulin Family |
References
- Encyclopeptide Database. “Insulin Degludec Multi-Hexamer Chains” monograph. encyclopeptide.com.
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