Researchers at the University of Mississippi are advancing a new drug delivery system based on smart capsules that can release medication in a controlled and programmable way. The goal is to make treatments more effective while reducing the burden on patients who require long‑term therapies.
The technology is designed to address a common problem in chronic disease care: patients often need to take multiple doses of medication each day, which can be difficult to manage consistently. Missed doses or irregular drug levels can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase side effects. Smart capsules aim to solve this by automating drug release, ensuring that medicines are delivered at the right time and in the right amount.
The capsules are created using advanced pharmaceutical engineering techniques, including materials science and 3D printing approaches that allow precise control over how drugs are released. This programmable design supports personalized medicine, as capsules can be tailored to respond to specific conditions inside the body, such as changes in pH or timed intervals.
By improving drug delivery, the technology could reduce side effects, improve patient compliance, and simplify treatment regimens. It has potential applications in therapies for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal disorders, and other conditions where consistent drug levels are critical.
Article from Ole Miss: Smart Capsule Technology Could Make Treatments Easier, More Effective
Abstract in International Journal of Pharmaceutics: Programmable delayed-release container system (PDRCS) for chronotherapeutic delivery: application in personalized treatment for Addison’s disease
