Invention of the capsule, which delivers insulin to the intestines of diabetics instead of painful injections

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a robotic drug delivery capsule for diabetics that can replace painful multiple injections and deliver insulin directly to the gut.

This technology could also offer antibiotics and the hope of fighting superbugs with oral drugs.

Oral treatments are safer, more convenient, and less invasive for patients and physicians, but oral medications often cannot withstand stomach acid before they have their intended effect, making them less effective.

However, a capsule called RoboCap could change treatments.

In tests on pigs, insulin permeability increased more than tenfold. Similar results were seen for vancomycin, an antibiotic usually given intravenously.

Lead author Dr. Giovanni Traverso said: “Peptides and proteins are important drugs. However, the impaired gastrointestinal environment and malabsorption limit the oral administration of these drugs.”

Pigs have anatomical, physiological and biochemical similarities to humans, making them ideal for research.

said Dr. “RoboCap is designed to filter and thin mucus to bypass these barriers and help drugs get where they’re needed,” said Traverso.

This inexpensive raspberry-sized device is made of biodegradable polymer and stainless steel components.

It allows it to pass through the harsh environment of the stomach, resist enzyme attack, overcome the mucus barrier in the small intestine and other obstacles.

Currently, many common medications, including insulin, must be administered by other means.

“Once ingested, the gelatinous coating of RoboCap dissolves in the stomach. The environment of the small intestine activates the RoboCap, which vibrates and rotates to clear the mucus, promoting mixing and accumulation of the drug cargo in the small intestine where the drug is most likely to be absorbed,” said Dr. traverse

“Our motivation is to make it easier for patients to take medications, especially those that require injections. The classic type is insulin, but there are many other types.”

Many diabetics require several doses of insulin to control their condition every day. The usual method of administration is injections with small needles several times a day.

It is worth noting that insulin is naturally produced in the pancreas and then travels to the liver, where it helps process blood sugar.

People with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels. All patients require several doses to manage the condition.

People with type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity, may need insulin medication to increase hormone levels and manage blood sugar.

Source: Independent