As a seasoned medical professional, my mother exhibits a remarkable lack of apprehension when it comes to needle procedures. As soon as she began administering insulin daily due to her recently diagnosed diabetes, the constant need to adjust her clothing and conceal her medical equipment turned into an annoying burden.

Shipping large biomolecules such as insulin, antibodies, RNA vaccines, and other macromolecules often requires a standard approach like a jab. Compared to small molecular compounds like aspirin, these medications typically consist of complex structures that are readily decomposable when taken in tablet form, rendering injection the preferred administration method.

However nobody likes needles. Despite initial discomfort, these substances may also provoke infections, skin irritation, and other undesirable consequences. Researchers have consistently sought alternatives to injections by exploring various oral medication options in an effort to mitigate the drawbacks.

Researchers from MIT and Novo Nordisk drew inspiration from the remarkable biodegradable properties of squid pen to develop ingestible capsules that rupture within the abdomen and release distinct components tailored to specific segments of the digestive system.

The tablets utilize a squid-inspired propulsion system to propel their contents into tissues in a rapid, sprayer-like motion. Two distinct spraying mechanisms are employed. One’s greatest work is often accomplished in larger organs, such as the abdominal cavity and colon. Delivering remedies to specific areas of the body is a unique capability of some delivery methods, such as those targeting the esophagus or other narrow passageways.

These innovative devices dispense medication directly into the intestine with minimal discomfort and no need for invasive needles, the research suggests. Upon examination of canine and porcine subjects, the system successfully administered insulin, GLP-1-like peptides, and RNA-based therapeutics to target tissues in dosages comparable to traditional injections.

Supply Complications

Taking photographs, regardless of their purpose in vaccines, antibodies, or cancer treatments, can be frustrating. While there are instances where injectable medications serve a specific purpose, requiring injections over tablets is often due to the fact that they typically consist of larger organic molecules. These novel therapies include antibodies and RNA-based vaccines that rely on complex molecules such as proteins. The task of delivering these items on a tablet proves to be an exceptionally arduous process.

As soon as ingested, large molecules may be quickly broken down by digestive enzymes or metabolized by the liver, thereby reducing their potency and increasing the likelihood of unintended adverse reactions. While taking a vaccine injection may involve some discomfort, tablets are indeed generally easier to accept and administer. Scientists have long endeavored to develop tablets capable of replacing injections for vaccines and other medications, despite the numerous hurdles they’ve faced in this pursuit.

Ink-Jet Squids

The study drew inspiration from cuttlefish, squid, and octopuses, renowned for their remarkable camouflage abilities and complex behavior.

These insects have developed remarkable adaptations to control the flow and direction of their ink sacs. Researchers leveraged a similar paradigm to facilitate targeted delivery of medicinal compounds throughout the gastrointestinal tract. As topical application delivers nutrients directly to tissue, absorption occurs sooner than physiological processes can degrade them.

“The significance of recognizing the gut’s diverse anatomy cannot be overstated. Comprising multiple segments, each with its unique obstacles, as expertly illustrated by researcher Giovanni Traverso. For instance, the abdomen can be likened to a balloon in terms of its elasticity, whereas the intestines are more akin to sinewy structures.” These diverse variants necessitate almost entirely distinct pressures for the treatment to be effective. Excessive strain can easily compromise the integrity of the tissue, risking damage. Straining too little can also be detrimental, as it may fail to deliver sufficient treatment. What is the optimal trajectory for the spray?

“A crucial aspect of our research involved determining the optimal power utilization required for the jet to effectively penetrate and interact with the surrounding tissue, as explained by Traverso.” Researchers unraveled the intricacies of how each section of the gastrointestinal tract absorbs medications, thereby enabling them to fine-tune optimal absorption ranges without compromising safety. Following this innovation, researchers developed ingestible capsules that replicate the remarkable ability of cephalopods like squids and octopi to release colorant-like substances.

The design incorporates two distinct jetting techniques: one utilises coiled springs, while the other relies on compressed carbon dioxide. These mechanisms can be triggered by varying environmental conditions, such as humidity or acidity, and are designed to target specific tissue types. The medication is packaged in standard-sized tablets for convenient dosing. One jet injects medication directly into giant organs, such as the abdomen. The opposite jet targets smaller gastrointestinal pathways alongside the small intestine.

Prime Supply

The crew successfully employed their innovative approach to transport insulin to canine and porcine subjects experiencing diabetes-mimicking conditions.

In a single sitting, the system significantly accelerated the pace of the treatment protocol—with outcomes comparable to daily insulin injections. Various medications, akin to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, RNA-based therapies, and antibody proteins capable of combating infections and cancers, have converged on the scene, mirroring injection-like modalities. Following release, the biocompatible capsules traverse the digestive tract.

While promising, it’s still premature to determine its effectiveness at the individual level. Despite the challenges, it may be feasible to eventually replace needles with tablets.

According to Graham Arrick, “In contrast to a small needle that requires close proximity to tissue, our studies suggest that a jet could potentially deliver a significant amount of the dose from a distance or at a slight angle.”

These devices could simplify daily management of chronic conditions by enabling individuals with diabetes and other injectable medication needs to easily administer their treatments in the comfort of their own homes.

The statement is rephrased as: “That’s a thrilling strategy with potential to make a significant impact on many biologics,” notes Omid Veiseh from Rice University, who was not involved in the study and commented on its findings in a press release. It marks a significant breakthrough in the development of oral medication delivery systems.