Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
18:11
Microfluidic Chips Controlled with Elastomeric Microvalve Arrays
Published on: October 1, 2007
Microelectronic control of drug delivery
Xin Dong Guo1, Mark R Prausnitz
1School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Expert Review of Medical Devices
|August 22, 2012
Summary
A novel wirelessly controlled microchip implant offers precise, long-term drug delivery. This innovative technology demonstrated safe and effective dosing in a first-in-human study for osteoporosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Traditional drug delivery methods like iontophoresis patches and infusion pumps have limitations including molecule size restrictions, invasiveness, and infection risks.
- Implanted pumps offer an alternative but require surgical commitment.
- Microelectronic control of drug delivery is advancing with novel implantable devices.
Discussion:
- A wirelessly controlled microchip implant with multiple reservoirs for powdered drugs was developed, offering precise digital dosing and long-term drug stability.
- This technology was evaluated in a first-in-human clinical study involving eight female patients with osteoporosis.
- The microchip was implanted subcutaneously and wirelessly programmed for human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) delivery.
Key Insights:
- The wireless microchip demonstrated comparable pharmacokinetics to subcutaneous injections of hPTH.
- Drug levels in the blood were less variable compared to traditional injection methods.
- No toxic or adverse events were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile for the microchip and drug.
Outlook:
- This study marks a significant advancement in microelectronic drug delivery systems.
- The technology shows promise for improving pharmaceutical therapies through precise, controlled, and long-term drug administration.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore broader applications of this microchip technology.
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