Today in TechDigital pills approved by the FDA
Did you remember to take your prescription medication today? For some, this is an easy question to answer, but others struggle to remember whether or not they've taken their daily regimen. This forgetfulness may soon be a thing of the past, though — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a pill that can digitally remind you whether or not you've taken it that day.
Created by Proteus Digital Health, the technology places tiny silicon chips on each pill. These sand-grain-sized sensors also contain magnesium and copper, a mix of metals that generates an electric charge when exposed to stomach acid. That charge ultimately makes its way to a patch on the skin, which transmits a notification that the pill has been taken to a doctor's smartphone.
Currently, the device is only approved for use with placebos. Its creators hope that the government will soon approve the silicon chips for use with anti-tuberculosis medications that need to be taken over the course of years, and for certain crucial pills taken by seniors who might otherwise forget to take their medication.
[Image credit: Stressed attractive young brunette with pills via Shutterstock]
[via PopSci]
This article was written by Fox Van Allen and originally appeared on Tecca
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