New implant automatically detects and reverses overdoses

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

A new implant could reduce the number of deaths drug overdosessay scientists.

The device successfully delivered naloxone – a drug that quickly reverses an opioid overdose – when it detected a drop in breathing during tests on animals.

Now, U.S. researchers are developing the technology while also looking for industrial partners in preparation for larger-scale deployment and testing of the device in human clinical trials.

They say it could eventually be used to help people who suffer from epilepsy or are threatened by other medical conditions, such as anaphylaxis.

The opioid epidemic currently claims more than 70,000 lives in the United States each year, and doctors say lifesaving interventions are urgently needed.

Although naloxone, sold as an over-the-counter nasal spray or syringe, saves lives by quickly restoring normal breathing during an overdose, administering the medication requires a knowledgeable bystander, limiting its life-saving potential.

A team of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Northwestern University in Chicago has developed a device that can prevent people from overdosing without help.

Results from animal studies, published in the journal Scientific progressshow that the implant detects an overdose, quickly releases naloxone to prevent death and can also alert first responders.

Professor Robert Gereau, van University of Washington Medicine Pain Centersaid: “Naloxone has saved many lives.

“But during an overdose, people are often alone and don’t realize they are overdosing.

“If someone else is there, they need access to naloxone – also known as Narcan – and know how to use it within minutes.

“We have identified an opportunity to save more lives by developing a device that quickly delivers naloxone to at-risk patients without human intervention.”

He says prescription opioids – such as oxycodone – have helped people cope with the physical and mental challenges of daily debilitating pain.

However, the addictive properties of painkillers can lead to misuse and abuse, which are among the driving forces behind the opioid epidemic.

Cheap and easily accessible synthetic substances – such as fentanyl – have also flooded the illicit drug market in the US.

Experts say such “ultrapotent” drugs have accelerated the rise in overdose deaths in the US and were responsible for about 70% of those deaths in 2023.

The research team worked with experts in engineering and materials science to develop the device – called the Naloximeter – which uses a drop in oxygen levels as a signal of a possible overdose.

An opioid overdose leads to slow and shallow breathing. Minutes after the medications begin to affect respiratory function, breathing stops.

The Naloximeter, which is implanted under the skin, detects oxygen in surrounding tissues and sends an alert to a mobile app if levels fall below a certain threshold.

If the user does not abort the rescue process within 30 seconds, the device releases stored naloxone.

The research team implanted the device in the neck, chest or back of small and large animals.

The device detected signs of overdose within a minute of oxygen levels dropping, and all animals made a full recovery within five minutes of receiving naloxone from the devices.

Scientists explained that Naloxone displaces harmful opioids from receptors on the surface of brain cells, altering the cells’ activity.

But the medicine doesn’t stick around; when the opioids reoccupy and reactivate the receptors, overdose symptoms may return.

To provide additional support, the device relays an emergency alert to first responders.

Co-author of the study, Professor Jose Moron-Concepcion, also from Washington University School of Medicine, said: “An added benefit of calling first responders is that it helps people reconnect with healthcare providers.

“We want to prevent people from dying from overdoses and also reduce harm from opioids by giving people access to the tools and treatments to prevent future overdoses.”

The research team obtained a patent to protect the intellectual property of the device.

Now they prepare for human trials.

Joanna Ciatti, who was part of the team from Northwestern University, said: “The Naloximeter is a proof-of-concept platform that is not limited to the opioid crisis.

“This technology has far-reaching implications for people threatened by other emerging medical conditions such as anaphylaxis or epilepsy.”

She added: “Our study lays an important foundation for future clinical translations.

“We hope others in the field can build on these findings to make autonomous rescue equipment a reality.”