Rice University Secures Grant to Develop Implant to Produce, Monitor, and Adjust Diabetes and Weight-Loss Medications

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The rising prominence of GLP-1s and anti-obesity medications is causing the pharmaceutical industry to pay more attention to weight-loss and diabetes treatments.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) awarded $34.9 million to Rice University who will, as part of a multi-university research team, develop a bioelectronic implant designed to improve adherence for type 2 diabetes treatment.¹ The device is named ROGUE, which stands for Rx On-site Generation Using Electronics. According to a press release from Rice University, the device will house cells that produce T2D and obesity therapies directly in response to the patient’s physiological needs.

In a press release, Rice University professor of bioengineering and faculty director of the Rice Biotech Launch Pad Omid Veiseh said, “ROGUE's innovative design combines efficient biological manufacturing, long-term durability and patient-friendly features that have the potential to transform the landscape of biologics delivery. With the Rice Biotech Launch Pad leading the clinical translation and commercialization efforts, this funding will allow us to expedite the development and clinical trials of this groundbreaking technology, making it accessible to patients sooner."

Executive director of the Rice accelerator Paul Wotton added, “With the Biotech Launch Pad, our goal is venture creation in parallel to the groundbreaking research at Rice and its collaborating institutions. With the Biotech Launch Pad, our goal is venture creation in parallel to the groundbreaking research at Rice and its collaborating institutions. This level of support speaks volumes to just how transformative these innovations could be, and therefore how important it is to facilitate their translation.”

The device is designed to be implanted in the patient and will require weekly recharging from a wearable device. It will be capable of supporting, monitoring, and adjusting drug production and dosing when properly charged.

"I am absolutely thrilled by ARPA-H's strong support for the Rice Biotech Launchpad's efforts in accelerating breakthrough bioelectronic technology transition from the bench to the bedside," said Paul Cherukuri, Rice's vice president for innovation and chief innovation officer.

Carnegie Mellon materials science and bioengineer Tzahi Cohen-Karni added, “Our approach enables on-demand production of therapeutics in a highly energy-efficient manner. This technology not only simplifies the delivery of life-saving medications but also enhances patient comfort and adherence. ROGUE's precision and adaptability offer a much-needed improvement in both treatment efficacy and patient experience."

Jonathan Rivnay, a professor of biomedical engineering at Northwestern University, said, “ROGUE's ability to produce glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) on site will address these high costs and improve patient adherence by eliminating the need for frequent injections. GLP-1 RAs have proven effective in enhancing insulin secretion, reducing glucose levels and promoting significant weight loss, making them a first-line therapy for diabetes and obesity.”

Rivnay continued, “Our collaborative efforts are paving the way for the ROGUE platform to become a revolutionary force in the field of biologics. This technology not only addresses the limitations of current biologics but also offers a sustainable, long-term solution for managing chronic diseases."

Source

1. Rice's Biotech Launch Pad to Lead Commercialization of Bioelectrical Implant Treatment for Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes. Rice University. October 2, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rices-biotech-launch-pad-to-lead-commercialization-of-bioelectrical-implant-treatment-for-obesity-type-2-diabetes-302260599.html