March 16, 2006
Implantable Wireless Device Delivers Drugs
According to a recent study published in he Nature Biotechnology journal, researchers for the first time have successfully tested an implantable microchip device that is wirelessly activated to deliver controlled drug doses into the body over a prolonged time period.
The technology is from Microchips, a company that specializes in implantable drug delivery and biosensors. It is expected to be most effective in delivering proteins, small molecules and other drugs that are highly potent, have limited stability and need to be delivered in precise doses at exact times. The system is unique in its use of wireless signaling, its small size and its system of reservoirs allowing precise, efficient delivery of solids, liquids or gels. The implantable drug delivery system provides doses by the command of a wireless signal.
The scientists began the current research by developing microchips made of silicon, each the size of a postage stamp and containing 100 tiny "wells" or "reservoirs." They filled the reservoirs with a model polypeptide drug known to be poorly absorbed when taken orally. Each reservoir was capped with an electrically erodable membrane made of platinum and titanium. Filled chips were then sealed and connected to a titanium case containing electronic hardware, power and wireless connectivity.
They combined custom software with "off-the shelf" electronic components and a handheld wireless communication device for use in sending data back and forth.
Posted by rsk at March 16, 2006 08:56 AM