Researchers have developed a new type of brain implant that can deliver drugs to multiple regions of the brain with high precision, offering fresh possibilities for the treatment of neurological disorders.
The device, called SPIRAL (Strategic Precision Infusion for Regional Administration of Liquid), is a thin, flexible tube designed to release medication at several points inside the brain. This approach allows doctors and scientists to reach larger and more complex areas of brain tissue than current tools, while still keeping the implant small and minimally invasive.
Published in the Journal of Neural Engineering, the study shows how SPIRAL uses carefully designed openings along its structure to release medication in a controlled way. The team combined advanced computer modeling with extensive laboratory testing to confirm the device’s safety and effectiveness.
Importantly, the implant did not cause higher levels of inflammation compared to standard devices, suggesting it could be safely used for long-term treatment. The researchers say the design solves a big problem with existing brain implants, which usually deliver drugs from just one or two points. SPIRAL makes it possible to distribute drugs more evenly and across larger regions, while still being safe and minimally invasive.
Looking ahead, SPIRAL could also be adapted to provide electrical stimulation or other advanced therapies, potentially benefiting people with conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders.
