Implantable microchip offers 16-year contraception

Micro tech firm Microchips Biotech is preparing to commercialise a microchip-based implant capable of storing and releasing precise doses of a drug on-demand or at scheduled intervals for up to 16 years.

The implant is capable of responding to wireless signals, which can activate, deactivate or modify the frequency or dose of the drug, without requiring removal. Microchips Biotech is currently pursuing applications of its platform in three key areas: diabetes, female contraception and osteoporosis, which all require frequent, long-term dosing and high patient compliance. The group published clinical data demonstrating the ability of its platform to deliver a drug to treat osteoporosis in women, and is actively advancing development and clinical research programs in diabetes and female contraception, respectively.

“Innovating drug delivery is an integral complement to drug discovery, and Microchips Biotech is uniquely poised to revolutionise the way medicines are administered on a long-term basis,” said Cheryl Blanchard, Ph.D., who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in July and currently sits on Microchips Biotech’s Board of Directors. “It’s truly an exciting phase in the company’s lifecycle as we continue to advance the development of our contraceptive implant and focus our efforts on forming strategic partnerships that leverage our platform to enhance the utility and compliance of new and established therapeutic agents to manage osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic conditions that require frequent, long-term dosing.”

“The versatility of our platform design lends itself to several clinical applications, and diabetes management is one specific area of tremendous opportunity, a fact which is underscored by our discussions with several potential partners focused on managing that condition,” added Dr. Blanchard, who was formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Zimmer, Inc. “For patients with diabetes, compliance is critical and a challenge given the need for frequent, even twice-daily administration of therapeutics, often via injections. Leveraging the microchip-based implant to automate dosing to enhance compliance could be life-changing for the 29 million Americans living with the disease.”