The $1000 Philips iPill Is the Future of Ingestible Target Treatment
Alexandra Choli — January 22, 2009 — Lifestyle
References: technologyreview & iconoculture
It may sound like a joint venture between Spielberg and Apple in healthcare, but it is Philips Research that plans to make the electronic pill a reality. In its high-tech capsule, the vitamin-sized iPill boasts a microprocessor, power supply, drug reservoir with pump to deliver the medication, and a wireless transmitter to maintain contact with external medical equipment.
The “intelligent pill” is swallowed no differently than with a glass of water, but is able to measure temperature and acidity, and to accurately determine its position in the digestive tract in order to release the medicine precisely when and where it is needed. Advantages include reduced dosage and side effects, and target treatments evaluated involve gastrointestinal disorders and cancer.
But do not rush off to pharmacies just yet; first of all, the mighty iPill is still a prototype, although it is reportedly ready for mass production and testing from Philips will begin pronto; secondly, its sky-high price of $1000 per pill is not too encouraging – so until it comes down to a more accessible, say, $10 per pill, the majority will probably be settling for the less-brainy ordinary capsules.
The “intelligent pill” is swallowed no differently than with a glass of water, but is able to measure temperature and acidity, and to accurately determine its position in the digestive tract in order to release the medicine precisely when and where it is needed. Advantages include reduced dosage and side effects, and target treatments evaluated involve gastrointestinal disorders and cancer.
But do not rush off to pharmacies just yet; first of all, the mighty iPill is still a prototype, although it is reportedly ready for mass production and testing from Philips will begin pronto; secondly, its sky-high price of $1000 per pill is not too encouraging – so until it comes down to a more accessible, say, $10 per pill, the majority will probably be settling for the less-brainy ordinary capsules.
Trend Themes
1. Electronic Pills - Developing technology to create ingestible pills with microprocessors and other electronics, offering new opportunities for targeted drug delivery and disease management.
2. Smart Capsules - Creating intelligent capsules that can accurately determine their position in the digestive tract and release medication at the precise time and location it is needed, allowing for targeted treatments and reduced side effects.
3. Wireless Drug Delivery - Incorporating wireless transmitters in medication to maintain communication with external medical equipment and simplify tracking and treatment monitoring processes.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical Industry - Creating new opportunities for drug delivery and pharmaceutical development, leading to innovative solutions for targeted treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and cancer using electronic pills.
2. Healthcare Industry - Revolutionizing the healthcare industry by introducing smart capsules that offer better tracking and monitoring of treatment outcomes, reducing risks, and enhancing patient experience.
3. Technology Industry - Creating electronic solutions for the healthcare industry and driving innovation in drug delivery systems, leading to unprecedented opportunities to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
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