New Tool: ProSource
Checkout our packaging and processing solutions finder, ProSource.

‘Electroceutical’ Pill Increases Appetite, Reduces Nausea

The ingestible capsule uses electrical stimulation, and is intended for patients with eating disorders and cachexia.

Electroceutical
MIT

According to a recent Medgadget article, researchers at MIT have developed a pill that increases hunger, while reducing nausea. The ingestible "electroceutical" capsule delivers a small electrical current to the walls of the stomach, and stimulates endocrine cells in the stomach lining to release more ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite and reduces nausea.


The capsule features an external electrode and grooves that draw fluid away from the electrode, to maximize contact with the stomach wall. The technology has the potential to assist patients with eating disorders or conditions such as cachexia, aka wasting syndrome. The researchers hope to explore other applications of electrical stimulation in the gastrointestinal tract using similar ingestible electroceuticals. A video with more information can be seen here

How to Honor a Leader
Induction into the Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame is the highest honor in our industry. Submit your leader to be considered for the Class of 2024 now through June 10th. New members will be inducted at PACK EXPO International in Chicago.
Read More
How to Honor a Leader
Test Your Supply Chain Smarts
Take Healthcare Packaging's supply chain quiz to prove your knowledge!
Read More
Test Your Supply Chain Smarts