Implantable MicroChip Automatically Delivers Drugs

[Adrean]

MIT researchers create a new drug-delivery method that is safe, reliable and pain free.

Taking medication on a daily basis can be quite a hassle. Depending on the situation, missing a dose can either be stressful, dangerous or a combination of the two. Hoping to eliminate any accidents involving forgotten doses, MIT scientists and Massachusetts-based MicroCHIPS Inc have teamed up to create an implantable chip that automatically delivers regular doses of osteoporosis medication.

In the initial osteoporosis medication trial, professors Robert Langer and Michael Cima loaded the programmable chip with 20 doses of the osteoporosis drug, Teriparatide. Each dose was individually sealed in its own tiny reservoir, capped with a mixture of metals that melted when an electrical current was applied via an internal battery. As the cap melts, the drug is released into the body following a preprogrammed schedule.

In addition to automatic delivery, the drugs can also be administered using a radio communication over a specific frequency, allowing doctors to change a patient's dosage as necessary. Although the device was successful with Teriparatide, it will require much more testing to ensure reliable results for other medications. The company is currently filing for approval of the MicroChip implant by 2014, meaning it could be commercially available to treat osteoporosis in five years.

:view:Original Article: Tom's Guide