In 2023, over 100,000 Americans succumbed to opioid overdoses, underscoring a critical need for timely intervention. Naloxone, an effective antidote, can save lives when administered quickly, but delays in its delivery often result in fatalities. To address this, researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a groundbreaking implantable device designed to overcome these delays.
The new device, roughly the size of a stick of gum, is implanted under the skin and continuously monitors vital signs like heart rate and breathing. It uses advanced sensors to detect signs of an opioid overdose and, upon confirmation, automatically releases a dose of naloxone.
This innovation aims to bridge the gap between overdose occurrence and emergency response, potentially saving lives where immediate help is unavailable.
In animal trials, the device demonstrated a 96% success rate in reversing overdoses. It features advanced sensors and a micropumping mechanism to ensure accurate and timely naloxone delivery. This closed-loop system could revolutionize overdose prevention, particularly for high-risk individuals, by integrating seamlessly into harm-reduction strategies.
Researchers plan to refine the device and test it in humans within the next few years. With continued development, this technology could significantly impact opioid overdose outcomes and offer a promising tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
Article written by Anne Trafton
14/08/2024
Source:
MIT news
https://news.mit.edu/2024/implantable-sensor-could-reverse-opioid-overdoses-0814