EndoPil expands weight loss options

News

Researchers in Singapore have developed EndoPil, a self-inflating weight-control pill that overcomes the limitations associated with endoscopically administered intragastric balloons.

Designed by a team led by Prof Louis Phee, Dean of Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Prof Lawrence Ho, a clinician-innovator at National University Health System (NUHS), the EndoPil could provide a non-invasive alternative to tackle obesity.

Measuring around 3cm by 1cm, the EndoPil is said to have an outer gelatine casing that contains a deflated balloon, an inflation valve with a magnet attached, and a harmless acid and a salt stored in separate compartments in an inner capsule.

EndoPil is designed to be taken orally with water. According to NTU, acid in the stomach breaks open the outer gelatine casing of the capsule, and its location in the stomach is ascertained by a magnetic sensor. An external magnet measuring 5cm in diameter is used to attract the magnet attached to the inflation valve, opening the valve. This mechanism avoids premature inflation of the device while in the oesophagus, or delayed inflation after it enters the small intestine.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address