Drugs On Demand 2,702 clicks in 279 w More Stats +/- MIT
Develops Implantable Remotely Activated Micro-Pharmacy
Published: Feb 13, 2008 One of the major challenges when
developing new drugs is how to apply them only where and when
they are needed. MIT researchers have developed a new film
technology that could address some of that challenge. According
to MIT News, "The films are made from alternating layers of two
materials: a negatively charged pigment and a positively charged
drug molecule, or a neutral drug wrapped in a positively charged
molecule" and are "among the first drug-delivery coatings that
can be remotely activated by applying a small electric field."
The films can carry single or multiple drugs that can be
released in the exact order and timing that is most effective in
treating the illness in question. One prime candidate that would
benefit from this approach is chemotherapy. Paula Hammond, the
Bayer Professor of Chemical Engineering, notes "You can mete out
what is needed, exactly when it's n