A novel light-controlled drug delivery system has been invented by scientists from Queen’s University Belfast which enables the users to control the dosage and the timing of the drug release. It is crucial to achieve the highest level of therapeutic activity and the lowest possible rate of toxicity, thus presenting a progress in the sphere of the drug delivery.

Mechanism of Action

It can do this by incorporating the drug molecules into a medium of light-responsive chemicals. Some of these chemicals are designed to dispense the drug when exposed to light in controlled manners. The release starts right from the moment of exposure and lasts only for a period equal to the time that the light source illumination is on. This mechanism aims to allow the drug to be given at the right time and dose with no extra exposure to the body hence increasing the efficacy of the drug.

To show effectiveness of the system, three types of drugs which are mainly used to treat inflammation and pain, specifically aspirin, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen were used in the experiment. In this way it can be potentially treat such ailments as those of urinary infections resulting from catheterization in the healthcare sector. In this case, it is possible to have the drug contained well within the catheter and be released through the application of light from a fiber optic.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods

The conventional drug administration technologies entail the release of drugs through the systemic circulation and hence cause various side effects and problems. This light-sensitive system has the advantage of being able to deliver its energy to a specific part of the tissue in need. The possibility to regulate drug substance release utilizing light offers a non-destructive-type taken dosage, which may be very helpful for those individuals who require certain dosing regimens.

Nevertheless, the described technology may be used in many other applications different from catheter-based therapies. For instance, there may be the use of implant devices that administer drugs into the body and introduce tiny capsules into the skin to release drugs at appropriate intervals hence enhancing patient concordance and treatment efficacy.

Future Implications

It may appear that the effects of this technology are limited to the pain management only. Colin P. McCoy and his team suppose that the opportunities are to be found in areas typically requiring accurate dosage for chronic diseases. This could also also help in pointing out problems such as antibiotic resistance since the drugs can be activated only when needed.

This is supported by other studies by different research teams, wherein other light operated systems that enable the remote control of release of drugs using various wavelengths of light. These products underscore photopharmacology, the branch of pharmaceuticals focused on a drug which can be controlled by light and can be turned on or off as desired and move the pharmaceutical to a new era of being targeted to uniquely suit a particular patient.