It is implanted under the skin and releases an antidote in the event of a fatal overdose of certain drugs, such as fentanyl. Scientists have developed a special implant that has already worked in animal experiments.
In the event of an opioid overdose, an implant could save lives in the future. According to researchers, it can detect an overdose, administer an antidote and at the same time notify emergency workers. The US team successfully tested the so-called naxolimeter on animals, as reported by the specialized magazine “Advances in science“he reported. In the United States, 75,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2023. Many of these deaths were caused by the opioid fentanyl, which is much more harmful than heroin.
In Germany the distribution of fentanyl still plays a minor role Data According to the Federal Drug Commissioner, nearly 1,250 people died from opioids in 2023.
Currently, people with opioid overdoses are given the emergency drug naloxone. It attaches to the opioid receptor and reverses the effect of opioid overdose: a reduction in breathing. “Naloxone has saved many lives,” says co-author Robert Gereau, who directs the Pain Center at Washington University. “But during an overdose, people are often alone and don’t realize they’re overdosing.” Even if another person is present, they must have access to naloxone and know how to use it within minutes. “We saw an opportunity to save more lives by developing a device that rapidly delivers naloxone to vulnerable people without the need for human intervention.”
According to the study, the naloxymeter is inserted under the skin and measures the oxygen content in the surrounding tissue. If this is very low, naloxone is released rapidly. At the same time, a signal is sent via Bluetooth to your mobile phone or tablet. The user can still intervene and cancel the alarm chain if it is a false alarm. Otherwise a control center will be automatically informed. The plant’s battery can be charged wirelessly via magnetic induction.
“An additional benefit of alerting first responders is that it helps people reconnect with healthcare providers,” said co-author Jose Morón-Concepcion of Washington University School of Medicine.
Save you from fatal fentanyl overdose in minutes
In experiments with rats and pigs, the naloxymeter saved the animals from an otherwise fatal fentanyl overdose within minutes. According to the researchers, the pig implant is 4.2 centimeters long and smaller than a standard pacemaker.
The researchers have patented the device and are now seeking industrial partners to test it in human clinical trials. “There is still a lot of work to be done, but the benefits could mean thousands of lives saved,” Gereau said.
According to Gereau, the intended patient group mainly includes people recovering from opioid addiction. If they take it again, the risk of fatal overdose is especially high, Gereau added. The device could be implanted shortly before discharge from treatment. But other opioid addicts could also be considered. “Over-the-counter naloxone is helpful, but requires the presence of a caregiver in case of an accidental overdose.”
The principle of the naloxymeter is not limited to the opioid crisis, said Joanna Ciatti, a graduate student in John Rogers’ laboratory at Northwestern University, who developed the technique. Use in other medical emergencies such as allergic shock or epilepsy is also conceivable. “Our study lays important foundations for future clinical applications. We hope that others in the industry can build on these findings to make autonomous lifesaving devices a reality.”
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Robert Gereau on the Naxolimeter Implant
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Gereau! Thank you for joining us today. The recent developments surrounding the naxolimeter implant are exciting and could significantly impact overdose prevention. Can you start by explaining how this implant works and the technology behind it?
Dr. Gereau: Thank you for having me! The naxolimeter is a groundbreaking device that we’ve developed to address the opioid overdose crisis. It is implanted under the skin and continuously monitors the oxygen levels in the surrounding tissue. When it detects dangerously low oxygen levels, indicative of an overdose, it immediately releases the opioid antagonist naloxone to counteract the overdose. Simultaneously, it sends a signal via Bluetooth to the user’s mobile device and alerts emergency services for assistance.
Editor: That sounds revolutionary! What inspired the creation of the naxolimeter, especially in light of the increasing number of opioid overdose deaths?
Dr. Gereau: Absolutely, the opioid crisis is overwhelming. In 2023 alone, over 75,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives to opioid overdoses, with fentanyl being a particularly potent threat. Our current methods, such as naloxone nasal sprays or injectables, rely on the presence of another person. We noticed a gap where individuals overdose alone and can’t administer help. So, we aimed to create a device that operates autonomously, significantly increasing the chance of survival.
Editor: That’s quite insightful. It must have been challenging to develop a device that has to work reliably in critical moments. What have the animal trials shown regarding its effectiveness?
Dr. Gereau: The trials with rats have been promising. We’ve seen the implant effectively detect opioid overdose situations and respond in real time by administering naloxone. This rapid response is crucial since every minute counts during an overdose. The animal models show us that this device could potentially save countless lives if deployed in real-world situations.
Editor: Considering that technology plays a significant role in this implant, can you elaborate on how it communicates with mobile devices and emergency responders?
Dr. Gereau: Sure! The implant is equipped with a Bluetooth module that sends alerts to a mobile phone or tablet when it detects a low oxygen level, which could indicate an overdose. The user does have the option to cancel the alarm if it turns out to be a false alarm. However, if the alarm isn’t canceled, emergency services are automatically notified, allowing for a swift response—this feature is particularly beneficial in situations where users cannot call for help themselves.
Editor: It seems like this device not only saves lives but also fosters connections with healthcare providers. Could you explain how this aspect works?
Dr. Gereau: Yes, one of the additional benefits of alerting first responders is that it can help people reconnect with healthcare resources. When emergency personnel arrive, they can provide critical care and establish a follow-up relationship with the user, which is essential for managing substance use disorders. This creates an opportunity for people to receive ongoing support and access treatment options.
Editor: The potential impact on public health is evident. Looking ahead, are there any plans to advance this technology into broader use beyond animal testing?
Dr. Gereau: We are optimistic about moving into human trials soon. We need to ensure everything is perfectly safe and effective before that transition. Once we complete the necessary clinical trials and gain regulatory approvals, we’re hopeful that the naxolimeter could be widely available, becoming a standard preventative measure for individuals at risk of opioid overdoses.
Editor: Dr. Gereau, thank you for shedding light on this groundbreaking innovation. As we face increasing challenges with opioid addiction, the naxolimeter may prove to be a crucial tool in saving lives. We look forward to updates on your research!
Dr. Gereau: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important work. Together, we can combat the opioid crisis and save lives through innovative solutions.