A pioneering collaboration between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the University of California, San Diego has resulted in a groundbreaking smart capsule that allows patients to take multiple medications throughout the day in a single, programmed unit.
This capsule features smart polymer barriers that separate each medication and release them at precise times. Some of its compartments also have self-regulating mechanisms that provide rapid pain relief or immediate response to urgent needs.
Lead researcher Dr. Amal Abbas from KACST’s Bioengineering Institute highlighted how the innovation simplifies patients’ treatment routines, improving medication adherence, boosting therapeutic effectiveness, and reducing waste.
Early trials in Parkinson’s disease patients showed rapid and sustained symptom control—an indicator of significant potential.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of chronic disease patients fail to adhere to prescribed medication regimens, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs. This smart capsule could reduce medication and healthcare spending by up to 20%, and acute care facility operational costs by around 8%, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals for cost-efficient, tech-driven healthcare.
The research team is currently finalizing regulatory approvals to proceed with targeted preclinical and clinical trials to confirm the capsule’s safety and effectiveness.
