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The swallowed capsule releases a dose of medication directly into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Inspired by the way squid use jets of water to propel themselves and spray ink, researchers from MIT and Novo Nordisk have developed an oral capsule that releases drugs directly into the walls of the stomach or other organs in the digestive tract.
This innovation could become an alternative to injections for delivering drugs such as insulin and large proteins, including antibodies. In addition, the capsule could be used to deliver RNA, such as vaccines or therapeutic molecules for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders.
Key features of the capsule
- Mechanism of action: The capsule uses compressed carbon dioxide or springs to create a jet that directs the medicine directly into the submucosal layer of tissue.
- Size: Capsule is the size of a blueberry and can carry up to 80 microliters of drug.
- Materials: Capsules are made of metal and plastic, pass through the digestive tract and are excreted naturally after the drug is released.
- Target areas: Versions have been developed that can deliver drugs to the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine.
Inspiration: squid
The developers were inspired by the mechanism of squid movement and ink ejection. Squids create jet propulsion by filling a cavity with water and quickly pushing it out through a siphon. This mechanism was adapted to create a capsule that uses either:
- Compressed gas: Released when exposed to the acidic environment of the stomach.
- Springs: Activated by dissolution of carbohydrate trigger.
Testing and results
- Efficacy: In animal experiments, the capsules showed comparable levels of drug concentration in the blood to traditional injections.
- Drugs: The capsule successfully delivered insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as the drug Ozempic), and short interfering RNA (siRNA), which can be used to treat genetic diseases.
- Safety: No tissue damage was detected during testing.
Advantages
- Painless administration of drugs: Suitable for people who are afraid of needles or who frequently use injections.
- Safety: No sharp objects for easy disposal.
- Multifunctionality: Can be used both at home and in medical institutions (using an endoscope).
Next steps
The researchers plan to:
- Further development of the capsule.
- Conducting clinical trials on humans.
This technology could revolutionize medicine, giving millions of patients the opportunity for convenient and effective treatment without injections.