Imagine having a life-saving tool right under your skin, ready to jump into action without the need for anyone else to be around. That’s exactly what researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital are working on—a groundbreaking implantable device designed to automatically reverse opioid overdoses.
Naloxone, the go-to medication for reversing overdoses, usually requires someone nearby to administer it quickly. But what if no one is there? Enter this “robotic first responder.” Implanted just under the skin, this device monitors vital signs like heart rate and oxygen levels. If it detects an overdose, it delivers a dose of naloxone within just 10 seconds—faster than a blink of an eye.
The team behind this innovation hopes to begin human trials in the next three to five years. As Giovanni Traverso, the senior author of the study, puts it, this device could be a game-changer, especially for those most at risk of opioid overdoses.
For a closer look at how this tiny hero works, check out this video demonstration.
