Researchers at Brown University have developed a magnetic pill system that can both track and hold capsules in place at a specific location in the gastrointestinal tract. The system consists of gelatin capsules containing a tiny magnet, and an external magnet that senses the force between it and the pill. By varying the external magnetic force the capsule can be held at a specific location. The magnetic force is precisely controlled to avoid damaging surrounding tissue. The device was tested in rats, holding a pill in place for 12 hours without adverse effects. Drug delivery with the capsule has not been tested yet, but is the next step. The system could be used for very precise drug delivery (such as B12 vitamin release in the colon) or to study the absorption of drugs at different locations in the gastrointestinal tract. The research is published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The video below shows the variation in magnetic field as the distance between the magnet and the capsule changes:
Link: Magnetically controlled pills could boost body’s absorption of drugs…