Cool Technology for Pharmacy

Proteus Biomedical: “Proteus ingestible event markers (IEMs) are tiny, digestible sensors made from food ingredients, which are activated by stomach fluids after swallowing. Once activated, the IEM sends an ultra low-power, private, digital signal through the body to a microelectronic receiver that is either a small bandage style skin patch or a tiny device insert under the skin. The receiver date- and time-stamps, decodes, and records information such as the type of drug, the dose, and the place of manufacture, as well as measures and reports physiologic measures such as heart rate, activity, and respiratory rate. The IEM is the cornerstone of the company’s Raisin™ System, which is currently in clinical development. The Raisin™ System measures the body’s response to medications and is intended to improve the management of chronic diseases like heart failure, infectious disease and psychiatric disorders.”

The Financial Times is reporting that the pharmaceutical company Novartis is partnering with Proteus Biomedical to implant these IEMs into oral blood pressure medications. The IEMs are designed to send reminders to patients, in the form of a text message, when non-compliant with their medication regimens.

No word on what blood pressure medication they’re using, but Novartis is the maker of Lotrel, Tekturna and Diovan.

Remember, Big Brother is watching.