Daily multi-segment capsule for time-tunable drug release toward enhanced polypharmacy adherence

Abstract

Ensuring patient compliance is crucial for effective treatment, particularly in cases of polypharmacy. To tackle this issue, we developed a time-tunable multi-segment capsule for tailored daylong delivery of multiple drugs or dosages. In this multi-segment daily capsule (MSDC), each drug payload is spatially isolated by an enteric barrier. By controlling the polymer density within the barrier matrix, the dissolution time and release of each corresponding drug can be tuned. Embedding robotic capabilities within specific drug segments facilitates immediate drug disintegration for pain management and emergency response. In vitro testing of robotic levodopa MSDCs demonstrated a timed, multiple-dose release profile offering fast, intermediate, and sustained releases to address motor symptoms in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Tuning the loading of Mg micromotors allows them to function as proton pump inhibitors for pH-responsive intervention in gastric disorders. The MSDC promotes personalized medication and simplifies complex treatment regimens by customizing the therapeutic payload and the release time.