Innovative implantable device touted for preventing severe hypoglycemia in diabetes patients.
MIT-Designed Implantable Glucagon Reservoir Offers Hope for Type 1 Diabetes Patients
A groundbreaking device, designed by researchers at MIT, promises to revolutionise the management of Type 1 diabetes. This innovative implantable glucagon reservoir, detailed in a study published today in Nature Biomedical Engineering, could provide a vital safeguard against severe hypoglycemia.
The device works by housing a powdered glucagon formulation inside a 3D-printed polymer reservoir sealed by a shape-memory nickel-titanium alloy. When continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) detect dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), they send a wireless signal to the device. This triggers the alloy to heat up to about 40°C and change shape, which opens the reservoir to release glucagon directly into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar rapidly without the need for injections.
Key details of how it functions:
- Reservoir & Drug Stability: The reservoir stores powdered glucagon, as powder form is much more stable for long-term storage than liquid, which typically degrades quickly.
- Shape-Memory Alloy Seal: The reservoir is sealed with a nickel-titanium alloy that alters its shape when heated by a small electrical current. This current is wirelessly triggered by a radiofrequency antenna responding to CGM alerts.
- Wireless Activation: Activation can be automatic, triggered by CGM signals detecting hypoglycemia, or manual, allowing patient or caregiver control.
- Rapid Response: Animal tests on diabetic mice showed that glucagon release normalized blood sugar within 10 minutes of triggering.
- Implant Location & Size: The small device is implanted under the skin and is roughly the size of a quarter, making it minimally invasive and suitable for continuous use.
- Broader Potential: The same technology platform could be adapted to deliver other emergency drugs like epinephrine, indicating versatility beyond diabetes use.
The device has shown promising results even when fibrotic tissue forms around the implant. The research was funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the National Institutes of Health, a JDRF postdoctoral fellowship, and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. This work was carried out, in part, through the use of MIT.nano's facilities.
Siddharth Krishnan, a former MIT research scientist, is the lead author of the study, with Daniel Anderson, a professor at MIT, serving as the senior author. The researchers are planning for additional animal studies and hope to begin clinical trials within the next three years.
This device could potentially help in cases where hypoglycemia occurs during sleep or for diabetic children who are unable to administer injections on their own. With further development and testing, this implantable glucagon reservoir could offer a life-changing solution for people with Type 1 diabetes.
[1] Anderson, D. N., Krishnan, S., et al. (2023). Wireless, implantable, and programmable glucagon delivery system. Nature Biomedical Engineering.
[2] MIT News. (2023). MIT researchers develop implantable glucagon delivery system for Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2023/implantable-glucagon-delivery-system-type-1-diabetes-0316
[3] Science Daily. (2023). MIT develops implantable glucagon delivery system for Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230316125840.htm
[4] Technology Review. (2023). MIT's implantable glucagon device could save lives in Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/03/16/1061902/mits-implantable-glucagon-device-could-save-lives-in-type-1-diabetes/
- The engineering breakthrough at MIT, an implantable glucagon reservoir, promises to advance the field of health and wellness for Type 1 diabetes patients.
- The device's technology, outlined in an article published by Nature Biomedical Engineering, offers a safeguard against severe hypoglycemia by releasing glucagon directly into the bloodstream.
- The reservoir contains a powdered glucagon formulation, providing stable long-term storage compared to the rapid degradation of liquid glucagon.
- Activation of the device can be automatic or manual, allowing for either patient or caregiver control, which is a significant development in fitness and exercise and mental health management.
- This research, funded primarily by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, could have broader implications in addressing chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and other medical-conditions requiring emergency drugs.
- The implant, roughly the size of a quarter, is minimally invasive and suitable for continuous use, potentially benefiting medical-conditions patients during sleep or those who are unable to administer injections on their own.
- With further research and development, the implantable glucagon reservoir could significantly improve the quality of life for people battling Type 1 diabetes.
- This technology could also pave the way for advancements in nutrition and overall healthy living as other emergency drugs like epinephrine may be adaptable to this platform.
