Squid-Inspired Capsule Revolutionizes Drug Delivery, Eliminates Need for Needles

November 21, 2024
Squid-Inspired Capsule Revolutionizes Drug Delivery, Eliminates Need for Needles
  • The device's design features two versions: one with a flat bottom for downward drug ejection and another tube-like version for targeted side delivery.

  • This innovation addresses the common preference for pill medications over injections, potentially improving patient compliance and comfort in receiving necessary treatments.

  • As the healthcare landscape evolves, such advancements in drug delivery could play a crucial role in making medications more accessible and user-friendly.

  • Researchers have developed an innovative drug delivery device inspired by squids, allowing patients to swallow a capsule that delivers medication without the need for needles.

  • Unlike traditional needles, the microjet system can administer medication from a distance or at a slight angle, reducing localization issues and improving patient comfort.

  • Future plans include further development and human testing of these capsules, supported by funding from organizations like Novo Nordisk and the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health.

  • This device utilizes jets to eject drugs into the tissue lining of the digestive tract, significantly enhancing drug delivery efficiency, as detailed in a study published in Nature.

  • The capsules are designed to target various sections of the digestive tract, combining the convenience of oral delivery with the efficiency of deeper tissue penetration for optimal drug absorption.

  • Animal testing has shown that the device can effectively deliver insulin and other medications, achieving blood concentration levels comparable to those obtained through injections.

  • Made from metal and plastic, the capsules pass through the digestive system and are excreted after drug delivery, minimizing the risks associated with needle use.

  • Experts, including Giovanni Traverso from MIT, emphasize the potential of this technology to transform treatment for conditions like diabetes by enabling the oral delivery of macromolecules.

Summary based on 7 sources


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Sources




A bioinspired capsule can pump drugs directly into the walls of the GI tract

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Nov 20, 2024

A bioinspired capsule can pump drugs directly into the walls of the GI tract

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