A team of researchers from MIT and NovoNordisk has developed a bioinspired capsule that can deliver drugs directly to the walls of the gastrointestinal tract without the need for needles. The capsule utilizes the unique expulsion mechanism of squid to puncture the stomach or intestinal walls, allowing for the precise delivery of insulin, antibodies, and RNA-based drugs. By compressing carbon dioxide or using a spring, the capsule can trigger the release of the medication in a wet or acidic environment, ensuring a high concentration of the drug with minimal side effects.
The capsule is made of a biocompatible material and is naturally excreted without causing any harm to the body. In experiments, no tissue damage was detected, making it a potential game-changer for people with diabetes, wounds, and other conditions that require continuous and precise medication delivery.
This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we take our medications, providing a needle-free and more efficient alternative for people who need medical treatment. The researchers are now working on refining the design and safety of the capsule to make it ready for human trials.