eTect Solution

Core Technologies

Two patent-pending innovations make ID-Cap possible: a novel in-body communications methodology and a first-of-its-kind ingestible conductive ink and printing technique.

eBurst™ is a novel communications and energy harvesting technology implemented in an ultra-low power mixed-signal integrated circuit. eBurst enables two way communications with devices deep inside the GI tract without an on-board power source. As a result an ID-Cap tag has a truly flat profile to virtually eliminate any impact on the form factor of pills, capsules, or implants.

The second innovation is a flexible, biocompatible substrate and nanoparticle-based conductive ink. These innovative materials enable ingestible and flexible antennas and interconnections such that the resulting ID-Cap tag may be applied to the outside of a finished capsule, minimizing any effect on the pharmaceutical formulation or manufacturing process.

eTect is a development stage company creating ID-Cap, an innovative solution that will allow the Company to sell real-time clinical trial adherence information to pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, or others. ID-Cap consists of three major elements:

  1. a biocompatible transponder tag which is affixed to the medication under investigation;
  2. a patch worn by the trial participant on the upper arm or torso containing electronics necessary for reading the tag and communicating with a mobile internet device;
  3. a mobile user interface application that runs on a mobile phone or other mobile platform.
Watch eTect in action!
ID-Cap monitors adherence as follows. The system sends the trial participant a reminder on the mobile device when it’s time to take a pill. Once ingested, the reader queries the pill with the eBurst signal. The tag affixed to the pill responds with information verifying the pill is in the stomach. The information from the pill is sent by the reader through the mobile device to an adherence information database where it is accessible by authorized personnel. After a short time, the tag safely dissolves to pass harmlessly through the digestive system.


What this means for Clinical Trials

Adherence data provides more powerful information on safety and efficacy of new drugs, allowing clinical trials to be conducted with fewer participants and over less time. In short, it can lead to more effective, less expensive clinical trials. With adherence information now readily available, it is easy to imagine all new drugs requiring it as part of the approval process.