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Researchers have developed a novel, ingestible “biosensor pill” designed to non-invasively monitor gut inflammation, especially for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This pill offers a simpler and more affordable option to current methods like colonoscopies or stool sample analysis.
The pill, named PRIM, is coated with a special polymer that reacts to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a marker of inflammation.When inflammation is present, the polymer breaks down and releases a blue dye, which is then detectable in the stool.
In tests conducted on rats with colitis, the PRIM pill successfully identified intestinal inflammation with 78% sensitivity and 72% specificity. The blue dye was clearly visible in the stool of inflamed rats, while the pill remained inactive in healthy rats.
The researchers are currently working on adapting the PRIM pill for human use, aiming to improve its sensitivity for milder inflammation and conducting further animal model testing. The estimated production cost of each pill is a low $0.38. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for IBD patients by enabling earlier detection of flare-ups and more effective treatment adjustments without the need for invasive procedures or hospital visits.
