Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Tandon developed SPIRAL, a flexible brain implant for targeted drug delivery. The device releases medication at multiple points along a thin, helical tube, thereby enabling broader coverage within brain tissue. Unlike traditional implants that deliver from one or two sites, SPIRAL reaches larger and more complex areas while remaining minimally invasive.
Engineering and design
The implant uses evenly spaced outlets and tuned port diameters to maintain uniform flow. Consequently, the design permits the distribution of therapeutic agents across multiple regions from a single insertion. Computational Fluid Dynamics guided the sizing of ports to balance flow rates. Moreover, the helical form minimizes tissue disruption during placement.
Clinical potential and applications
SPIRAL could improve treatment for conditions that require regional drug delivery, including glioblastoma and other focal disorders. In addition, teams may adapt the implant for electrical stimulation or other therapeutic modalities. Early testing shows promise in controlled delivery and safety profiles, while further studies will assess long-term outcomes. Therefore, SPIRAL represents a step forward in precision neurotherapeutics and regional drug administration. Finally, broader translation to other solid organs may follow pending successful clinical validation.
