Prototype implantable emergency drug injector by H Lee and his team at Purdue University.
Image Credit: Purdue University
Dr. Hyowon “Hugh” Lee, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering and his team at Purdue University have been developing an interesting implantable drug delivery system. Unlike traditional pumps, this device is meant as a one-time injector for life-saving drugs such as naloxone (opioid antidote) or epinephrine (treatment for anaphylactic reaction).
Purdue researchers are developing a wearable device that would automatically deliver an antidote upon detecting opioid overdose, buying time for emergency services to arrive. (Purdue University image/Jongcheon Lim)
The implantable “A2D2” capsule contains the drug in a capsule that is sealed with a phase-change material. When heated, this material melts and allows the capsule’s payload to be delivered to the body. Continue reading