Swallowable capsule and method for stimulating incretin production within the intestinal tract
First Claim
1. A swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal track of a patient, the capsule comprising:
- a capsule body having a surface;
the capsule body sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract of a patient;
at least one pair of electrodes disposed on the capsule body surface configured to electrically stimulate the L-cells;
at least one sensor coupled to the capsule body for sensing a property of the intestinal track to determine a location of the capsule within the intestinal tract;
a controller coupled to the least one pair of electrodes and the at least one sensor, the controller disposed within the capsule body and configured to receive an input signal from the least one sensor, determine a location of the capsule within the intestinal tract based on the input and generate a waveform outputted to the at least one pair of electrodes, the waveform configured to electrically stimulate L-cells proximate the capsule location to secrete a polypeptide without causing a peristaltic contraction the intestinal tract;
a power source coupled to the controller;
and wherein the capsule is configured to electrically stimulate L-cells along an entire length of the intestinal tract.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal track of a patient, the capsule comprising:
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a capsule body having a surface; the capsule body sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract of a patient; at least one pair of electrodes disposed on the capsule body surface configured to electrically stimulate the L-cells; at least one sensor coupled to the capsule body for sensing a property of the intestinal track to determine a location of the capsule within the intestinal tract; a controller coupled to the least one pair of electrodes and the at least one sensor, the controller disposed within the capsule body and configured to receive an input signal from the least one sensor, determine a location of the capsule within the intestinal tract based on the input and generate a waveform outputted to the at least one pair of electrodes, the waveform configured to electrically stimulate L-cells proximate the capsule location to secrete a polypeptide without causing a peristaltic contraction the intestinal tract; a power source coupled to the controller; and wherein the capsule is configured to electrically stimulate L-cells along an entire length of the intestinal tract. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal track of a patient, the capsule comprising:
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a capsule body having a surface; the capsule body sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract of a patient; at least one pair of electrodes disposed on the capsule body surface configured to electrically stimulate the L-cells; at least one sensor coupled to the capsule body for sensing a property of the intestinal track to determine a location of the capsule within the intestinal tract; a controller coupled to the least one pair of electrodes and the at least one sensor, the controller disposed within the capsule body and configured to receive an input signal from the least one sensor, determine a location of the capsule within the intestinal tract based on the input and generate a waveform outputted to the at least one pair of electrodes, the waveform configured to electrically stimulate L-cells proximate the capsule location to secrete a polypeptide without causing or interfering with peristalsis of the intestinal tract; and a power source coupled to the controller.
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Specification