Wireless Medication

Researchers are reporting that the future of administering medication may lie, not in your hands, but a tiny microchip. The chip is implanted into your body and wirelessly releases the correct doses at a scheduled time. The chip would help raise patient compliance, especially for people who are on medications that are required to be injected daily. Many injectable medications are required to be refrigerated so storage would be one less concern.

The chip is programmed while a physician is in the room, and the procedure is done under local anesthesia. When it’s time for the drug to be released, a current is delivered to the chip to melt the bonds of one of the reservoirs (the sealing material resolidifies on the edges of the reservoir). Currently there are two versions of the chip: the one that holds 200 doses and another that holds 400. This would also help to minimize office visits, helping to improve the patients quality of life.  

While studies are still underway, and years from hitting the market, there’s definitely a possibility for this method of drug delivery in the future. How do you think this would change the healthcare industry? Would you trust technology to administer your medication? 

Drug Delivery Partnerships has always been on the forefront of technological innovation and this year is no different. With a full day symposium on Maximizing the Potential of Your Drug Delivery System Through Drug Delivery Device Combination Products, the audience hears the latest innovations in delivery device development.

At DDP, hundreds of pharmaceutical and drug delivery thought leaders come together to develop partnerships to create the next great product that will bring relief to millions of patients. Sign up for updates on the 17th Annual Drug Delivery Partnerships Conference taking place February 6-8, 2012, in San Diego, CA.