The Houston Methodist Hospital is testing a capsule that operates through natural vibrations that increase bowel movements, with the aim of helping diabetics suffering from gastrointestinal damage such as constipation. This affliction is common in diabetics as a result of high levels of blood glucose, impeding the function of muscles and nerves of the large intestine.
Eamonn Quigley, chief of gastroenterology at Houston Methodist Hospital, was the capsule’s development supervisor. This pill does not contain medicine; it only has a tiny engine and a battery, which are biodegradable and do not cause any harm to the body.
The also former president of the World Gastroenterology Organization explained that, before taking the capsule, its engine should be timed to be activated when reaching the colon. Then, it generates imperceptible vibrations that are intended to stimulate the large intestine to facilitate evacuation.
Quigley explained the pill process in the body: “We know that the pill will take three hours to reach that point; from the moment it is introduced to the mouth, traveling through the complete digestive tract, to the large intestine”.
The pill is currently being studied in various Methodist hospitals in the United States. It is estimated that testing will be done for 18 months, prior to submitting an application for approval with the Food and Drug Administration of the United States.
La píldora se encuentra en fase de estudios en diversos hospitales Metodistas de los Estados Unidos, se estima que se hagan pruebas por 18 meses antes de presentar una petición de aprobación ante la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos.
