For which body part or organ did the Indian Institute of Technology Madras researchers develop an enhanced drug delivery method in October 2024?

The correct answer is Eyes.

Key Points

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras developed an advanced drug delivery system specifically targeting the human eye.
• The innovation aims to address challenges associated with delivering drugs effectively to the eye, such as overcoming barriers like tear fluid and blinking.
• The new method leverages a hydrogel-based system designed to enhance drug retention time in the eye, improving therapeutic outcomes.
• This drug delivery approach can be particularly useful for treating chronic eye conditions like glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and corneal infections.
• The technology is expected to minimize the frequency of drug administration and increase patient compliance by ensuring sustained release of medication.

Additional Information

• Hydrogel Technology:
  • Hydrogels are water-swollen, crosslinked polymeric structures capable of retaining large amounts of water while maintaining their shape.
  • They are biocompatible and can be engineered to release drugs in a controlled manner over time.
• Challenges in Ocular Drug Delivery:
  • The eye's natural barriers, such as tear dilution, blinking, and limited absorption surface area, make drug delivery challenging.
  • Traditional eye drops often result in less than 5% of the administered dose reaching the affected area.
• Applications of Advanced Ocular Drug Delivery:
  • Helps in treating diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy.
  • Reduces the need for invasive procedures like injections into the eye.
• Future Implications:
  • Innovations in ocular drug delivery can significantly improve patient comfort and compliance.
  • Such technologies can also reduce the overall cost of treatment by minimizing the frequency of medical interventions.