http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...reat-them.html

Anyone know anything about this? The writer doesn't seem too well up.

It's a prototype for a potentially great medical device with future technology. It's still early stage, but the patch is designed to store and administer medications, while also monitoring and storing symptomatic data.

Right now, the memory element requires a power supply and a data transmitter. The researchers say that they will need batteries or wireless power transmission and wireless communication in stretchable formats to make a truly wearable and wireless patch.

This would be a great advancement in drug delivery and symptomatic measurement for PwP, as well as many other diseases.

Without even saying what drug would be delivered it seems to imply the problem of side effects is obliterated. This isn't necessarily so.

No, it wouldn't necessarily reduce side effects. But, it may help make certain drugs more efficient as, in theory, it would provide small dosages more frequently based on specific individual symptoms.

The device isn't designed for a "specific" drug or disease. However, if it actually worked, it would appear to be great for illnesses like PD, MS, essential tremor, and AD. Again, it's just an early stage prototype, not close to being ready even for clinical trials. It would have to have its own power supply source (mini battery) and be wireless to really have much function for patients.

assume it would have to be an agonist, i don't think l-dopa penetrates the skin very well.

i think these monitoring systems being designed are for people who can't remember to take their meds or can't take them orally, i'm sure it would be very useful in understaffed nursing homes or elderly with dementia? doubt it would help anyone who currently is managing their symptoms well taking meds 3 times a day.