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Abu Dhabi Scientists Create Electronic Appetite Regulation Pill

The tiny device utilizes electrodes to stabilize and regulate the gut-brain axis, which can help control appetite and treat several diseases.

Published

1 year ago

May 3, 2023

Nour Nasir

abu dhabi scientists create electronic appetite regulation pill

NYUAD

A research team from NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), overseen by Professor Khalil Ramadi, has created a groundbreaking “ingestible electroceutical device” known as the FLASH system. The pill-shaped device modulates the signaling pathway between the digestive tract and the central nervous system and is administered like a regular ingestible capsule tablet.

Featuring surface electrodes that deliver stimulation to the stomach’s mucosal tissues, the non-invasive device bypasses gastric acids to achieve direct electrode-to-tissue contact. The ingestible pill is powered by tiny batteries, delivering stimulation for around 20 minutes before being excreted by the body — a process that can take up to two weeks, depending on the size of the human or animal test subject.

the flash system appetite regulation pill

“FLASH is one of the first ingestible electroceuticals that can regulate precise neurohormonal circuits while avoiding the discomfort patients can experience with invasive treatments,” says Professor Khalil Ramadi, NYU Abu Dhabi.

Researchers on the FLASH project were inspired by the unique skin surface properties of the Australian Thorny Devil Lizard, whose skin can efficiently wick away surface moisture. The pill replicates this process by using grooved surface patterns and hydrophilic properties that enable it to be ingested and excreted without side effects.

Also Read: Sultan Al Neyadi Becomes The First Ever Arab To Spacewalk

During testing, scientists noted that the capsule modulated the release of the hormone ghrelin, which the body uses to stimulate hunger. Regular hormone medications have poor bioavailability in oral form, requiring an injection to administer. The FLASH system, on the other hand, can target very specific gastric-hormonal pathways through simple oral administration.

The FLASH pill shows promise against a wide range of diseases, including metabolic, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, the device requires further preclinical testing before being ready for the public market. However, the development team has set a goal of creating an advanced prototype for human trials within five years.

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Mamo Completes $3.4M Funding Round To Enhance Fintech Services

The startup will use the influx of cash to expand into Saudi Arabia and across the wider GCC while improving its product offering.

Published

19 hours ago

July 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

Mamo

UAE-based fintech Mamo has announced the completion of a $3.4 million funding round that will help the startup extend its market presence and improve its product offering. Investors included 4DX Ventures, the Dubai Future District Fund and Cyfr Capital.

Mamo’s platform offers “payment collection, corporate cards and expense management” to help small and medium-sized businesses consolidate and streamline their operations. With the latest influx of capital, Mamo will further develop its comprehensive suite of services and begin testing its product lines in Saudi Arabia, further extending its footprint across the GCC.

Imad Gharazeddine, co-founder and CEO of Mamo, stated: “We’ve been in the market for a while now and are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. The holistic and expansive nature of our product offering has helped us continue to grow sustainably. This additional funding will allow us to reach our medium-term goals even faster. The support from new and existing investors is a testament to our strong expertise and the ability to deliver on our customer promise”.

Daniel Marlo, General Partner of lead investor 4DX Ventures, added: “We have immense trust in Imad’s vision, leadership and Mamo’s innovative approach to provide a user-friendly and comprehensive financial solution for SMEs that makes financial management more accessible and efficient. We are proud to partner with them and support their mission”.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Amer Fatayer, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund’s investment team, also commented: “Mamo’s localized product lines serve as an infrastructure for SME payments and spend management in UAE, a segment that is underserved by the country’s current banking infrastructure. The team has taken a product-first approach to consolidating SMEs’ financial journeys and building a fintech solution deeply embedded in a business’s core operations”.

To date, Mamo has raised around $13 million in investment funding and now boasts a team of 30 people. The company’s intuitive financial services platform has allowed over 1,000 businesses to consolidate their financial operations and significantly reduce payment fees.