For the first time, reportedly, researchers have successfully tested an implantable microchip device that is activated wirelessly to deliver controlled doses of drugs into the body over a prolonged period of time.
The technology comes from MicroChips, a privately held company specializing in implantable drug delivery and biosensors. The results of the study were described in a recent online edition of the journal, Nature Biotechnology.
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.
This technology is expected to be most effective in delivering proteins, small molecules and other drugs that are highly potent, have limited stability and must be delivered in precise doses at specific times.
"This research is an important step toward development of novel drug delivery systems in which small devices filled with potent, therapeutic drugs are used to release medicines into the body as needed," said John Santini, Ph.D., president of MicroChips.
Santini, along with Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Dr. Robert Langer and Dr. Michael Cima began work on the concept of so-called "intelligent drug delivery devices" more than a decade ago.
Read the rest of this eWEEK story: "Implantable Drugs Go Wireless"