Vibrant Pill: A Vibrating Treatment to Save You from Constipation!

Written by Eugene Song, PharmD 2027

March  18, 2024

Vibrant Pill: A Vibrating Treatment to Save You from Constipation!

What if there was a drug-free option to relieve chronic constipation? Approved in August 2022 by the United States Food and Drug Administration is Vibrant: the electronic pill to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation without a known cause). This once-daily pill is revolutionizing drug-free options in the healthcare field. 

So, What is an Electronic Pill?

In the ever-evolving realm of healthcare, the electronic pills continually push the boundaries of what’s possible. An electronic pill, also known as smart pill, ingestible sensor, or digital pill. Utilizing wireless technology to transmit data to external devices, these can be analyzed and monitored by healthcare professionals. Some pills we see today are Proteus Health’s Abilify MyCite which has an ingestible sensor that could track if a patient consumed a drug, or imaging pills that contain video cameras for generating images of organs. These innovative devices hold great potential by providing non-invasive diagnostics, personalized treatment, and remote monitoring.

How Does Vibrant Work?

The Vibrant capsule features a mini microchip programmed to initiate vibrations to stimulate the colon. This process would take around fourteen hours post-ingestion. “The vibrations come on for a few seconds, and then off and then on,” says Satish Rao, MD, PHD, the director of digestive health clinical research center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. “These vibrations locally induce muscle contractions, causing stools to move. The vibrations occur in two cycles, each lasting two hours, spaced six hours apart. Following its transit through the colon, the capsule exits the body during bowel movements. 

These pills are made out of the same material that gastroenterologists have been using for the past two decades for pill cameras. Posing no certain risks, such as infections, irritating tissues, and interference with the surroundings, the FDA considers them to be a class 2 medical device. These capsules are not a cure, but are designed to be taken daily for maintenance treatment. However, a drug-free option for chronic constipation could help minimize dependency and reduce side effects from over-the-counter and prescription medications. Currently, Vibrant is not covered by insurance, however the company has a coupon that puts out-of-pocket costs at $69 per month. 

Future of Electronic Pills

The future of healthcare is undeniably digital, and digital pills are at the forefront of this transformation. However, as these technologies become more widespread, regulatory agencies are establishing guidelines for their safe and effective use. Through the use of this technology: personalized medicine, remote monitoring, early detection of disease, and improved patient adherence holds immense promise for revolutionizing healthcare delivery. The future of digital pills shines brightly, paving the way for a healthier and more connected world. 

References:

1. Goodman, B. (2023, February 8). Drug-free relief from chronic constipation may come from a new vibrating pill. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/08/health/vibrating-pills-constipation-wellness/index.html 

2. Rao, S. S. C. (2023, February 20). Toward an improved definition of acute-on ... - gastroenterology. Gastroenterology. https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(14)00652-0/abstract 

3. Rapaport, L., Bennington-Castro, J., Welch, A., Derrow, P., Davidson, J. M., & Orenstein, B. W. (n.d.). Vibrating pill can relieve chronic constipation. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/constipation/new-drug-free-vibrating-pill-can-bring-relief-for-chronic-constipation/ 

4. Vaidya, M. (2023, April 24). Why aren’t Digital Pills taking off? Pharmaceutical Technology. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/why-arent-digital-pills-taking-off/