Remote controlled contraception featuring an implanted chip could be on the market in just a few years and promises a safe, effective approach to birth control and family planning.
Chip-based contraception is not new as it's been available for a few years but requires a doctor visit to install and remove when a woman decides to start a family or does not need contraception.
The chip is being developed by MicroCHIPS, based in Massachusetts, and researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It provides a remote control device to the user so contraception administration of levonorgestrel can be stopped when a woman decides to begin having children and then turned on again when needed.
The 20mm x 20mm x 7mm chip will be "competitively priced," according to the research team and can remain in place for 16 years. Pricing, say backers, is critical as the foundation hopes it can help women in impoverished areas around the world.
"The ability to turn the device on and off provides a certain convenience factor for those who are planning their family," said Dr. Robert Farra from MIT.
The Bill & Miranda Gates Foundation Family Planning program is funding the project, led by MIT researcher Robert Langer. The goal is to have Food and Drug Administration approval for pre-clinical trial by next year and on the market by 2018.
"These arrays are designed for compatibility with pre-programmed microprocessors, wireless telemetry, or sensor feedback loops to provide active control," the MicroCHIPS web page reads. "Individual device reservoirs can be opened on demand or on a predetermined schedule to precisely control drug release or sensor activation."
The chip releases the contents of the reservoir when a minute electric current from a small internal battery is passed through the hermetic titanium and platinum seal, melting it and allowing the dose to release into the body, states a published report on the project.
One aspect researchers are focused on is ensuring security regarding the chip activity. It is critical the chip not be activated or de-activated by anyone except the person wearing the chip.
"Someone across the room cannot re-program your implant," said Farrar. "Then we have secure encryption. That prevents someone from trying to interpret or intervene between the communications."
Researchers see a vast array of uses for such implanted chip technology, aside from contraception, for a wide range of medical conditions.
