Overview
Electronic drug delivery devices (EDDDs) are medical instruments that release medications into the body. These can include:
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Insulin Pumps that continuously monitor glucose levels to release insulin
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Connected Inhalers that use sensors to track adherence to medication schedules and log usage on devices like smartphones
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Iontophoretic Devices are systems that use electrical currents to push drugs through the skin
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Implantable Smart Systems include microchips and wireless reservoirs to manage chronic conditions with targeted, long-term release medications and therapies
For substance use disorders, EDDDs include:
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Electronic neurostimulation devices like the NSS-2 Bridge or NET Device as battery-powered processors placed behind ears to apply electrical currents and stimulate the vagus and trigeminal nerves to block distress from withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, and tremors.
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Smart Implantable Pumps controlled by microchips are placed under the skin with a reservoir of medications such as buprenorphine to release precise doses into the bloodstream to eliminate cravings
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Wearable Biosensors such as wristbands and patches continuously track vitals to detect biometric signatures associated with cravings or stressors that precede a potential relapse. These can also alert clinicians or begin an automated inteventions like an exercise out of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Recent advances in machine learning have opened the door to tracking all kinds of biometrics for latent patterns that clinicians and patients may not consciously think to monitor.