This paper discusses that OROS controlled-release devices showed a low occurance of any significant GI events. When used correctly, extended-release products provide substantial therapeutic and convenience benefits without additional risk. Their small size allows for easy ingestion without significant difficulties

Specifically, this paper shows that the exact geometry of highly domed terrestrial species is close to optimal for self-righting, and the shell's shape is the predominant factor of their ability to flip back. This study illustrates how evolution solved a far-from-trivial geometrical problem

The conclusion from these sources is that most of the technologies in clinical trials are small scale and not groundbreaking. Even the more clinically advanced oral drugs examples of oral bioavailability appear to produce oral bioavailability values of only 1–2% and are, therefore, only currently suitable for a limited range of drugs.

demonstrated proof‐of‐concept experiments in swine that microneedle‐based delivery has the capacity for improved bioavailability of a biologically active macromolecule. Moreover, the paper shows that microneedle‐containing devices can be passed and excreted from the GI tract safely. These findings strongly support the success of implementation of microneedle technology for use in the GI tract.

No perforations (injuries) caused by the examination during 1210 upper endoscopies that were performed as part of this trial conducted by gastroenterologists (doctors that study the GI tract) Carr-Locke needle: https://www.steris.com/-/media/us-endoscopy-images/endoscope-devices/carr-locke_injection_needle_300.ashx

This paper describes an ultrasound method of assessing gastric emptying (food emptying from the stomach and entering the small intestine) time based on measurements of the gastric antrum (the small, lower part of the stomach), which is visible in almost all subjects before and after meals. A total of 54 subjects were examined. The emptying time was determined in all subjects by measuring the changes in the cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum. The results of this study showed a large variation in gastric emptying time.

A twisting force that tends to cause rocation

The gastrointestinal lining produces a wide variety of peptides which may contribute to protection from injury as well as repair after injury occurs. Restitution, the initial phase of mucosal repair, is accomplished by rapid moving of the epithelium to reestablish surface epithelial continuity (i.e. seal any injuries)

This study shows that orally administered devices could enable the systemic uptake of drugs by engineering around the physiological barriers present in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These designs must significantly increase drug bioavailability, deliver a correct dose and remain safe when taken frequently. This paper discusses how these physical methods stand to provide a solid set of alternatives to the classic hypodermic needle administration of drugs.

When surveyed, 208 women who were more than 2 years post-breast cancer diagnosis were surveyed about their preferences for daily oral tablets or monthly intramuscular injections. Sixty-three percent of these women preferred oral tablets. This preference has not changed overtime. In 1923, there was an experiment to see if insulin could be delivered orally via an alcoholic solution. It was found that a dose of insulin by mouth required double the dose of insulin administered through injection. That meant it would be much more expensive than the existing method. The oral dose was also much harder to control and unpredictable. Overall, it was determined that alcohol was not a sufficient medium to provide an oral dose of insulin.

The mucus layer that is present on the lining of the organs in the GI tract

Constructing Evidence and Designing Solutions (SEP6): Using the shape and behavior of the toroise, the engineers were able to design their device to function in their desired way

https://socratic.org/questions/what-are-the-layers-of-the-gastrointestinal-tract-what-are-their-functions

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/3-stomach-wall-asklepios-medical-atlas.html

Drugs that are orally administered must have various coatings to avoid being broken down within the gut. Although this does pose challenges, it is still promising to study and eventually utalize orally administered drugs for local GI targets.

This study evaluated the management of people with type 2 diabetes prescribed two or more oral medications, and/or insulin. It was seen that on average, the median time to insulin for patients prescribed multiple oral agents was 7.7 years. This showed that many people with type 2 diabetes received inadequate monitoring and had poor blood sugar control during the beginning of their treatments.

in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61NWKipSclL._AC_SX450_.jpg

Involuntary movements of the longitudinal and circular muscles, primarily in the digestive tract but occasionally in other hollow tubes of the body, that occur in progressive wavelike contractions

An object which has only one unstable point of balance.

Any substance or mixture of substances intended to be used in the manufacture of a drug product and that, when used in the production of a drug, becomes a functional ingredient in the drug product

The open space within a tube-shaped body part

The action of causing a machine or device to operate.

Connections between cells that prevent the passage of molecules and ions through the space between membranes of touching cells

An enzyme (a biological catalyst) which breaks down proteins and peptides

The ability of a drug or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body

millimeter scale pillars

Situated or applied under the skin

Plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood that holds the blood cells of whole blood in suspension. It is the liquid part of the blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body.

A hormone produced in the pancreas which regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of diabetes.

In a living organism

A hole made by puncturing or piercing

Acting independently; the ability to act without instruction

becoming widely spread

Occuring or administered elsewhere in the body other than the mouth

The GI tract is a series of hollow organs that form a long tube from the mouth to the anus. The organs within the tract include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

Biomacromolecules are the building blocks of life. The different macromolecules are: Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, and Nucleic Acids. Each of these macromolecules are responsible for different biological functions within the body and the cells