Can't Swallow Pills | Your Dentist Can Help

Monday, February 04, 2008

There are many people who frequently miss a dosage of medicine, take the wrong dosage, or forget to take their medicine altogether. A new device called IntelliDrug may solve the problem.

IntelliDrug is a device built into a prosthetic tooth that is two molars in size that allows for the proper dosage of medicine to be delivered automatically to the patient. Doctors can adjust or change the dosage and medicine as needed throughout the course of treatment. The device can be implanted into dentures, partials, a bridge, mouthguard, or an orthodontic bracket. The housing of the device looks like natural teeth and does not interfere with eating or speaking.

The IntelliDrug device is made up of polymers and stainless steel. It contains a drug reservoir, sensors, a micro-fluidic duct, two batteries, and an electronically controlled valve. The drug is placed into the reservoir in a pill form. When saliva passes through a membrane, it creates pressure in the drug reservoir. A microcontroller then opens a valve and releases the pressurized solution at predetermined intervals into the mouth. A sensor monitors the pill as it becomes depleted as well as keeps track of the amount of medicine flowing out.

Because the medicine is released right at the cheek tissue, the drug is absorbed much faster than it would be through the stomach and the intestines. Because the medicine is absorbed faster into the system, the dosage of medicine may be much less and easier to control.

There are several advantages to the IntelliDrug system;

• The device could eliminate the need for injections which cause pain and discomfort.


• The drug is delivered automatically on a predetermined schedule at the prescribed dosage. The patient never has to worry about remembering to take their medicine or how much medicine needs to be taken.


• The drug can be replaced in a non-invasive way.


• The dosage and delivery schedule may be altered at any time during treatment through the use of a remote control. The system may also be controlled manually.


• The drug can easily be monitored.


• The method of delivery allows for quick absorption of medicine into the blood stream.


• The materials used to create the device are compatible with the oral tissues.


• The structure of the device has been built to withstand the strong mechanical forces within the mouth.


• The battery and electronics have been sealed to prevent contamination, failure, and harm to the patient.


• The delivery of the medicine may be easily stopped at any time by the use of a remote control or manually.

This revolutionary device is the work of a team of researchers from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Spain, and Israel. Clinical testing of IntelliDrug is set for later this year. If the tests are successful the system will be available in 2010.

The following websites have more information on the IntelliDrug system:
Discovery News | Take your medicine, or try this tooth
IntelliDrug.org