Researchers at MIT have developed an ingestible capsule that delivers electrical currents to stimulate the production of ghrelin, a hormone crucial for appetite regulation. This innovative device, named FLASH (Fluid-wicking Active Stimulation and Hormone modulation), could provide new treatments for conditions like anorexia and cachexia, which involve nausea and appetite loss. The capsule encourages hormone release from the stomach by generating electrical stimulation, showing significant ghrelin increase during tests on animals without causing inflammation or adverse effects.
Inspired by the fluid-wicking capability of the Australian thorny devil lizard, the capsule features a specialized surface that draws fluid away from the stomach wall, allowing effective contact between the electrodes and stomach tissue. The research indicates that for the stimulation effect to occur, the vagus nerve must be intact, which may transmit impulses to stimulate hormone production.
With the successful animal trials, the MIT team plans to adapt this technology for human applications, potentially offering a simpler alternative to current pharmaceuticals used to combat nausea and stimulate appetite. The goal is to explore this approach further and initiate human trials within three years, paving the way for advancements in gastrointestinal and metabolic disorder treatments.
