http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/fda-approves-ingestible-sensor/
A company …Proteus Digital Health, Inc. has gotten FDA approval of a “digital pill” to monitor patient compliance.
An “ingestible sensor” doesn’t sound like the tastiest of snacks, but soon it might be just what the doctor ordered. A tiny microchip which activates upon contact with stomach acid has recently been given the green light by the US FDA. When the sensor is swallowed, an external patch picks up its signal and shoots a message over to whoever it’s supposed to. The technology is aimed at tackling an issue known in the healthcare biz as compliance — or, following instructions. Correct timing and dose are important for many drugs, and lax schedules can be responsible for treatment failures or the development of nasty drug-resistant bugs. Although the pills have only been used in trials, one pharmaceutical heavyweight has already bagged a license to the technology for real-world applications. If you don’t like the thought of a belly full of microchips, no need to worry — the harmless sensors pass naturally after completing their mission.
This is reportedly a couple of years away from commercial availability and at least one of the major Pharmas have expressed a interest… but at what cost… and who pays for it?
Filed under: General Problems
Oy vey.