THE US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first therapeutic pill that can be digitally tracked on its path through the body.
The Abilify MyCite aripiprazole tablets, for treating schizophrenia and manic episodes, have an ingestible sensor embedded inside them that records that the medication has been taken.
A patch worn by the patient transmits this information to their smartphone and can also be sent to the prescribing doctor, if the patient consents to this.
About the size of a grain of sand, the sensor activates when it comes into contact with stomach fluid.
The hope is that the technology could improve medication compliance for these patients.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 16 Nov 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 16 Nov 17