Ingestible Device Delivers Insulin Directly to Stomach

Researchers from MIT  developed a drug capsule that could be used to deliver oral doses of insulin, potentially replacing injections. The tip of the needle is made of compressed, freeze-dried insulin. The shaft of the needle, which does not enter the stomach wall, is made from another biodegradable material. Within the capsule, the needle is attached to a compressed spring that is held in place by a disk made of sugar. When the capsule is swallowed, water in the stomach dissolves the sugar disk, releasing the spring and injecting the needle into the stomach wall.