Retrieval Systems for Gastric Resident Systems

Technology

This biocompatible device, which has been tested in porcine models, is composed of elastomeric tubing and a retention frame made of materials such as elastomer wire and shape-memory alloy elastic wire. The technology could be implemented in a variety of shapes like a J-hook, sphere, series of circles, or toroid-inspired shape. Regardless of final form, the device is capable of being stretched out straight (to a fully elongated length of at least 28.66 cm) in order to be administered transesophageally. The drug can be delivered using a series of cylindrical pills composed of the drug and a nonerodable matrix like vinylpolysiloxane. Each pill contains a 0.5 mm hole, such that many pills can be strung together on a superelastic wire. The pills may include a coating such as Eudragit NM 30D to prevent a burst release of the drug, as well as excipients like polyethylene glycol to control the rate of drug release. The technology also includes a specialized retrieval device, which utilizes a sensor and magnet to locate and extract the device from the body transesophageally.

Problem Addressed

Patients’ adherence rates to oral therapies taken over an indefinite amount of time are poor, especially for asymptomatic diseases in which the therapy has no noticeable immediate effect. Other factors contributing to poor adherence rates include cost, side effects, accessibility, and the inconvenience of dosing regimens. Current options to increase adherence include the MicroChip device, which requires surgical implantation and is only useful for very potent therapeutics delivered in microgram or smaller quantities. Alternatively, there are orally delivered systems for extended release, but they can only hold at most 1.6 grams of the drug. This technology holds up to 10 grams of active pharmaceutical ingredient, allowing for long-term delivery of a broad range of drugs.

Advantages

• Maximizes drug adherence in the face of factors such as cost, accessibility, and convenience
• Holds up to 10 grams of active pharmaceutical ingredient, allowing delivery of a broad range of drugs
• Can treat infectious diseases like tuberculosis, and holds potential for other indications like pain management, depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol dependency
• Specialized retrieval device that operates without the need for imaging
• Potential for veterinary use