We recently wrote about a patch with microneedles that, someday, may be used to deliver immunizations. Now a new drug-delivery method being developed at MIT may provide another alternative to injections. Researchers are working on a capsule containing tiny needles that can inject drugs into the lining of the stomach. Once the pill reaches the digestive tract the pill’s coating will dissolve, exposing the hollow microneedles, and allow the drug inside to be released.
An animal study showed that the pill delivered insulin more efficiently than a subcutaneous injection. The study did not reveal any harmful side effects. Although the study was done using insulin, researchers hope that this delivery method could be utilized to deliver many different medications in the future.
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