New drug capsule revolutionize drug delivery

New way of dispensing drugs could help with many diseases
Researchers have now succeeded in developing a new drug capsule that will remain in our stomach for up to two weeks after ingestion. Thus, the capsule gradually release the contained drug to the body. This type of drug delivery could solve many of the problems that arise with a drug-reuptake treatment.

Scientists at the respected Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Brigham and Women's Hospital produced a capsule that delivers medications to our bodies for a period of two weeks. The experts published the results of their study in the medical journal "Science Translational Medicine".

Researchers have now developed drug capsules that can deliver drugs to the body over the long term. This greatly simplifies the treatment of some diseases. (Image: Sebastian Duda / fotolia.com)

Drug capsules enable effective treatment of malaria
The new drug capsule is particularly interesting for treatments with repetitive doses of medication, explain the doctors. The capsules could help overcome one of the major obstacles to the treatment and potential elimination of diseases such as malaria, the authors said in a MIT press release.

Capsules could also be used in many other diseases
In their investigation, researchers used the capsules to deliver ivermectin to the body. They hoped to achieve an elimination of malaria. The approach could also be applicable to many other diseases, explains author Professor Robert Langer from MIT.

The effect of oral medications usually does not last longer than one day
At the present time, the effect of oral medications almost never last longer than a day, explain the doctors. The new capsules appear to provide a very long-lasting oral system for many types of diseases, such as Alzheimer's or mental disorders. There are many exciting things that could one day enable the drug capsules, adds Professor Langer.

Initial focus of investigation on the malaria drug ivermectin
Oral medications tend to work only for a limited time because they move quickly through the body and are exposed to the effects of the stomach and intestines. Through years of research in the laboratory, the experts managed to overcome this problem. The initial focus of the investigation was on the malaria drug ivermectin, say the authors. This usually kills mosquitoes that sting the user of the drug. This greatly reduces the transmission of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Capsule leads to long-term administration of drugs
The daily intake of medicine is a real challenge. If administered medicine could be effective for a long period of time, it would radically improve the effectiveness of mass medicines, the experts said in the press release. In order to achieve a very long-term release of the drugs, they must be packaged in a capsule that is stable enough to withstand the rough environment of the stomach and release its contents over time.

Capsules contain a star-shaped structure with the drug
Considering these criteria, the team designed a star-shaped structure with six arms, which can be folded inwards and wrapped in a smooth capsule, explain the physicians. Drug molecules are then inserted into the arms. Each of these arms is attached to a rubbery core.

Star-shaped drug can stay in the stomach and resist the forces there
After the capsule has been swallowed, acid in the stomach dissolves the outer layer of the capsule. This is how the six arms can unfold. Once the star has expanded, it becomes large enough to stay in the stomach and resist the stomach's forces, the scientists explain. These would normally push the object further into the digestive tract. The object is also small enough to avoid damaging blockage of the digestive tract, the experts add.

Researchers are now working on capsules for HIV and tuberculosis
Various tests on pigs have already shown that the drug will be released gradually over two weeks. The development is virtually a platform into which any drug can be incorporated, the researchers explain. Frequent dosing can thus be replaced by a single administration. The new approach is a remarkable advance that could improve the treatment of malaria and other diseases that require long-term treatment. Research now focuses on the development of similar capsules that are effective against other tropical diseases, HIV and tuberculosis, the authors explain. (As)