United States – Researchers have come up with a new implantable system which is used for the fight against opioid overdose and they save lives due to the use of naloxone. It is a small discreet item, the size of the stick of gum, implanted under the skin and constantly measuring essential parameters like pulse and respiration, as reported by HealthDay.
How It Works
The implant assesses whether the user is suffering from an opioid overdose and injects the requisite amount of naloxone if required. This innovative strategy solves a significant drawback of the old naloxone approaches: people who overdose are alone and cannot inject themselves. The device also consists of a small storage area that can contain up to 10 mg of naloxone.
Successful Trials and Future Plans
In animal trials, the implant successfully reversed potentially fatal doses of opioids 96% of the time. Researchers are optimistic about its potential impact, particularly for high-risk populations. The device can also vibrate and send alerts to a smartphone, allowing users to override the naloxone injection if the reading is incorrect. Additionally, it has a feature to notify loved ones or caregivers in an emergency.
Next Steps
The researchers, led by Giovanni Traverso from MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, plan to continue refining the device, aiming for further miniaturization and testing in larger mammals. They anticipate starting human trials in the coming years, marking the beginning of a new era in overdose management, as reported by HealthDay.