Capsule targets drug delivery within GI tract

A British company has developed a remote-controlled drug delivery capsule it believes could change the way drugs are developed.

The delivery system, known as the Enterion Capsule, has been licensed to Pharmaceutical Profiles (Ruddington, UK and Princeton, NJ). The Enterion Capsule is charged with drug and swallowed. When it reaches its destination in the gastrointestinal tract a radiofrequency signal activates a spring-controlled piston, which forces the drug out of the capsule and into the target tissue. A feedback mechanism tells the operator if the triggering mechanism has been successful.

Following the Enterion Capsule within the GI tract and locating its released cargo is easy using gamma scintigraphy (provided the drug is suitably labeled).

Information provided by the Enterion Capsule can be vital in establishing the extent to which a medication is absorbed from different regions of the GI tract when given orally. As a consequence, decisions to accelerate or terminate development of drug candidates can be made on the basis of sound scientific data.

"Many candidate molecules have complex chemistry, poor solubility and limited permeability, leading to problems of delivering the drugs effectively to patients," commented Ian Wilding, CEO of Pharmaceutical Profiles. "Information provide by Enterion will ensure that rational and effective decisions are made during the early clinical development of candidate molecules."

For more information: Ian Wilding, CEO, Pharmaceutical Profiles Ltd., Ruddington Fields, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6JS, UK. Tel: +44-115-974-9000. Fax: +44-115-974-8000.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Drug Discovery Online