20.02.2024

Advancements in drug delivery technology are paving the way for innovative treatment methods for chronic diseases. A recent breakthrough at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill introduces the Spatiotemporal On-Demand Patch (SOP), a wireless drug delivery system that could revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and neurological injuries.

Image: The image shows the wireless yellow patch; Copyright: Bai Lab, UNC-Chapel Hill

The Spatiotemporal On-Demand Patch’s exposed circuit will be covered by material resembling a Band-Aid. It can receive commands wirelessly from a smartphone or computer to schedule and trigger the release of drugs from individual microneedles.

Products and exhibitors related to this topic

Exhibitors and products related to this topic can be found in the database of MEDICA:

More topic-related exciting news from the editors of MEDICA-tradefair.com

The SOP is a wearable patch featuring electrically triggered microneedles designed for on-demand drug delivery. Controlled wirelessly via smartphone or computer, the patch's microneedles release drugs in response to scheduled commands. This thin, soft platform resembles a Band-Aid, prioritizing user comfort and convenience, particularly for chronically ill patients.

Promising research findings

Led by Prof. Juan Song and Dr. Wubin Bai, the research team tested the SOP in a mouse model using melatonin to improve sleep. Published in Nature Communications, the study showcases the potential of this wirelessly controlled patch for delivering on-demand treatments, particularly for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Potential for Alzheimer's treatment

The SOP's ability to deliver multiple drugs simultaneously presents promising prospects for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. With joint funding from the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health, a pilot project will explore the SOP's efficacy in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model.

Multidisciplinary collaboration

The research underscores multidisciplinary collaboration, involving departments of applied physical sciences, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering. Undergraduate students have actively contributed to this research, highlighting the collaborative efforts driving innovation.

Localized treatment and rapid drug release

“The beauty of this device is that it can house dozens, if not hundreds, of concentrated drugs and can program their sequential release automatically,” said Song, who is a member of the UNC Neuroscience Center. “Rapid drug release can be crucial in emergency situations or when immediate therapeutic action is required.” Gold-coated microneedles protect the drugs and surrounding tissues, disintegrating upon electrical stimulus application to initiate controlled drug release.

The SOP’s potential to automate drug delivery and cater to specific patient needs marks a significant advancement in treatment methodology. Supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, this research holds promise for transforming chronic disease management. The SOP represents a significant milestone in drug delivery technology, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine and enhanced treatment outcomes for chronic diseases.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: UNC School of Medicine

More about UNC School of Medicine at: www.unc.edu