An Implantable Device Turns the Body into a Multi-Drug “Living Pharmacy”

(Medicines)

A Revolution in Medicine: A Smart Chip Under the Skin Automatically Dispenses Medications as Needed

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an implantable device that acts as a “living pharmacy,” capable of producing several biological drugs simultaneously. According to a report published by Northwestern Now, the new device, called HOBIT, could pave the way for treating chronic diseases without the need for frequent daily doses.

The device relies on genetically engineered cells placed inside a small capsule, roughly the size of a piece of chewing gum. These cells produce various medications, such as antibodies for HIV, treatments for type 2 diabetes, and hormones that control appetite.

The biggest challenge with this type of technology has been keeping the cells alive inside the body. When a large number of cells are placed in a small space, they compete for oxygen, leading to their rapid death.

However, the researchers found a solution by integrating a sophisticated electronic system that produces oxygen within the device itself through the electrolysis of water. This innovation allowed for a sixfold increase in cell density compared to traditional methods, with approximately 65% ​​of cells remaining viable after 30 days, compared to only 20% in conventional devices.

Continuous Production of Multiple Drugs

In 30-day animal trials, the device successfully maintained stable blood levels of three different drugs, despite varying durations of each drug's presence in the body.

(Dietary supplements) 

An Implantable Device Transforms the Body into a Multi-Drug “Living Pharmacy” (Dietary Supplements)

In contrast, devices lacking an oxygen system failed to maintain drug efficacy after just one week, highlighting the significance of this development. The results also demonstrated that the cells within the device function as continuous factories, producing treatment continuously instead of relying on intermittent doses.

Researchers believe this technology could reduce the burden of daily medication, particularly for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, and could enable the delivery of complex treatments in ways previously impossible.

However, the results are still in their pre-clinical stages, as the experiments were conducted on animals, and the device needs broader testing before it can be used in humans. But this innovation represents a step towards a future in which drugs become an implanted part of the body, working automatically and continuously, but its effectiveness and safety in humans are still under study.