To continue getting breaking news and the full stories from The Boston Globe, subscribe today.

The Boston Globe

Business

Boston.com

Drug-delivery chip implant shows promise

Futuristic device advances in small osteoporosis trial

By Carolyn Y. Johnson

 |  Globe Staff  

  February 17, 2012

It sounds like science fiction: a doctor implants a device about the size of a domino just under the skin near a patient’s waistline. Over the course of weeks, tiny sealed wells on a chip embedded on the device open one by one, to release a potent drug on a schedule sent to it wirelessly. But the futuristic scenario is real. Scientists reported yesterday the first successful use of the novel technology in a small number of osteoporosis patients.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help