Suction Cups Can Replace Drug Injections

For those with an extreme fear of needles, Swiss researchers have developed an alternative means of introducing large molecule drugs into the circulation. Based on the suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus, the device consists of a reservoir of drug attached to a suction device that is placed in the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek. The suction holds the device in place and stretches the oral lining sufficiently to permit entry of the drug molecules into the tissues. The trick was to create a device that would produce enough suction to remain in place and deliver drug without damaging the delicate inner cheek linings. Very clever.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.abq1887
https://www.medgadget.com/2023/10/suction-cup-delivers-drugs-through-cheek.html

#suctioncup #octopus #needles #drugdelivery #needlephobia