Robotic pill technology, which is already being used for diagnostic purposes, will likely be embraced for the oral delivery of biologic drugs as well. Biologic therapies currently require injections in most cases, but some are exploring specialized robotic pills as a pain-free approach that could increase convenience and compliance, and thus efficacy, of medicines. Several established companies and research centers are working on both diagnostic and biologic therapeutic applications of pill-based technologies.
The simple act of swallowing a pill or capsule is one of the most common ways by which people interact with the health-care system on a routine basis. Medtech innovators are looking to take advantage of that simplicity to improve how medical therapies and diagnostic assessments work.
By adding robotic or smart elements to a pill formulation, it offers the opportunity for less invasive therapies, better patient compliance and easier diagnosis for some conditions. Multiple companies and...