Worldwide lots of people find it hard to swallow pills, which include most children and even some adults. Thanks to Scientists at MIT, a tough pill to swallow could soon be quite easier to get down.
Researchers have devised an oily gel for drug delivery solutions. According to scientists, this oily gel can dissolve the majority of the medicinal powders stored in pills. Oil-based gels not only keep the drugs stable at extreme temperatures but also do not require clean water for swallowing. These gels are known as oleogels.
These gels are made of plant-based oils such as sesame oil. Scientists claim these gels can be prepared with a variety of textures, ranging from thickened beverages to a yogurt-like substance.
Researchers tested this drug delivery method on pigs, and they found that oily gels could effectively deliver drugs. They also found gels remain stable at temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) for several weeks and 60 °C (140 °F) for one week.
“This platform will change our capacity for what we can do for kids, and also for adults who have difficulty receiving medication,” senior study author Giovanni Traverso said in a statement. “Given the simplicity of the system and its low cost, it could have a tremendous impact on making it easier for patients to take medications.”
