Top line
Researchers at MIT have created the first vibrating pill of its kind that dramatically reduces food consumption by simulating the feeling of fullness, and they believe the pill could be used as a cheaper, non-surgical option to treat obesity and other weight-related diseases.
Key facts
Stretch receptors The stomach sends signals to the brain after eating to indicate fullness, and the vibrations of the pill activate these receptors, creating the illusion of feeling full.
The vibrating bead is called the Vibrating Ingestible Bioelectronic Stimulator (VIBES), and is aimed at treating obesity and diseases such as Gluttony And Brader Willy A syndrome that causes a constant desire to eat, according to a study published Friday in the journal Science Advances.
The VIBES pill is taken on an empty stomach 20 to 30 minutes before eating. Once taken, the outer shell of the pill dissolves in the stomach and releases a vibrating spring that vibrates at a rate of 38.3 minutes and passes through the digestive system. channel within four to five days.
Although VIBES pills have not yet been tested in humans, when they were activated 20 minutes before eating, the animals consumed about 40% less than when the pills were not activated.
The pigs that took birth control pills also experienced a daily weight gain of less than the control group: the control group recorded a daily weight gain of about 0.8 kilograms, while the group that took birth control pills recorded a daily weight gain of about 0.7 kilograms.
Although the location of the pill in the stomach is uncontrollable and is likely to move while eating, none of the animals had any side effects or gastrointestinal obstruction, and the pill continued to work no matter where it was, according to the study.
What you should pay attention to
Researchers are looking for ways to keep birth control pills in the stomach for longer periods, according to the study. They are also studying the possibility of wirelessly controlling the pill and turning it on and off when needed. The researchers said that clinical trials in humans are underway to determine when and how often the pill should be taken.
Huge number
69.9%. This is the number of Americans who are overweight or obese, According to to Data From Harvard School of Public Health.
Critical quote
“We have the potential to overcome some of the challenges and costs associated with biological drug delivery,” Giovanni Traverso, lead author of the paper and associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, said in a statement.
Main background
VIBES pills are meant to be an alternative to other weight loss options like surgery and GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy that can be invasive or expensive, according to the researchers. VIBES pills can be “manufactured at a very cost-effective price,” Shreya Srinivasan, the study’s lead author, said in a statement. The study estimates that the cost of manufacturing the VIBES pill would be in the “cents to a dollar” range. Novo Nordisk — which helped fund the study — uses the injectable weight-loss and diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. it costs $936 and $1,349 respectively for a one-month supply. Although there are some non-surgical weight loss surgery options such as gastric balloon, they are often expensive Costing Between $20,000 to $25,000.
the shadow
Vibrating pills to help treat constipation became available for doctors to prescribe in February. She was given birth control pills called Vibrant Marketing authorization By the Food and Drug Administration in August 2022. The agency does not classify it as a drug, but rather a Class II medical device, similar to a contact lens. The pill caused at least one additional weekly bowel movement for about 40% of participants, compared with about 22% of the placebo group, according to a recent study. Stady Published in Gastroenterology. The pill is taken around bedtime and the vibrations help stimulate the colon, although most participants said they did not feel the vibrations.
In-depth reading
What to Know About Ozempic: Diabetes Drug Becomes Viral Weight-Loss Cure (Elon Musk Is Proud to Use) Leading to Deficiency (Forbes)
Wegovy Shortage: Drug Maker Limits Distribution – Here Supplies Must Improve (Forbes)
Drug-free relief from chronic constipation can come from new birth control pills (CNN)